Embracing the classic elements of the British gangster film Rowan Joffe presents Brighton Rock, a unique story that delves into just how far a man will go to keep his secrets intact.
The story is quite simple. A small town mobster, Pinkie (Sam Riley), is desperate and determined to climb the ranks of organized crime. When a young waitress (Riseborough) stumbles upon evidence that links him to a revenge killing, he sets out to win her heart (and therefore her silence).
Showing its UK roots Brighton Rock is the epitome of an indie crime thriller. Slow moving and heavily reliant on its characters the film will lull you to sleep if you are not careful. The art of building suspense is taken a bit too literal as you often find your mind wondering due to the lack of progression the story makes over its nearly two hour runtime.
That being said, I do have to credit Helen Mirren for her brilliant turn as the waitress' boss Ida.. Her ability to demand your attention throughout the entire film is noteworthy, but it is her interaction amongst her co-stars that truly sets her apart from everyone else. When she is present the film takes giant leaps forward. Unfortunately, as she exits so does the advancement, bringing the piece right back where it once stood.
Other than the steady presence of the Oscar winning actress Brighton Rock has little to offer its viewers. While the story will appeal to those looking for a slow, methodic telling, the lack of action and progression leaves much to be desired, especially when it comes to its younger onlookers.
