I bring you a review of another action thriller starring an actor I really admire—Samuel L. Jackson. He's the actual reason I picked this film to watch and I'm not sure action thriller is the right genre to describe it. Damaged (2024) is more like a blend of crime (murder mystery) and psychological thriller, featuring Samuel L. Jackson and Gianni Capaldi as the lead cast but I have no idea why the poster says otherwise.
First, let's talk about the movie. Late at night, cops arrive on the scene where a body, brutally mutilated, is found. Detective Dan Lawson (played by Samuel L. Jackson) is called to the scene. He examines the body and points out that it's a gang murder and not related to the serial killer he's after. It's revealed that there's a serial killer on the loose in Chicago killing and dismembering women. The killer often leaves Satanic symbols like the inverted cross close to the body as part of his MO. The last murder happened six years ago.
In the present time, Lawson receives a call that two murders occured in Scotland with similar modus operandi to the serial killings in Chicago. He travels down to Edinburgh and works with Scottish detective Glen Boyd (played by Gianni Capaldi) to investigate. Who is this serial killer? And why did he resume killing after six years? Or is it a copycat?
Directed by Terry McDonough, the plot of this film is a generic one—crime involving serial murders—but the storytelling and the unexpected twist at the end are what sets it apart. I like that there's a collaboration between the Americans and Scottish on this At first, it may not be clear whether the murders in Edinburgh are the copycat's work or the serial killer moved there. That's an intriguing part that sets the pace of the film and makes it interesting.
The film delivers some red herrings as a good murder mystery should, for example the religious symbols, intended to drive the audience down a different path while the killer is hard at work. So when the unexpected twist happens towards the end, it leaves my jaw hanging open.
One thing I'll complain about is the plot. It's good, generic but I feel it wasn't fully explored or fleshed out like it deserves. The entire running time is one hour forty-four minutes and yet it feels like more should have been revealed including backstories to really tie up the plot.
All the same, I enjoyed the performances of the cast. As expected, Samuel L. Jackson did great. He's active, appearing in almost all the scenes but once he arrives in Edinburgh, the attention turns to his fellow detective, Gianni Capaldi's character. These two are great together and their chemistry is seamless.
Another character worth mentioning is Colin McGregor (played by John Hannah). Hannah did great acting as the slimy and perverted suspect. He's a cool actor and really pulled off his part such that I was disgusted. Haha.
The cinematography, editing and lightning are good but not great. There are some scenes I wished had more light so I could see properly. Also, the murder scenes are something to watch out for if you are not into gore scenes. They feature some mutilated bodies and bloody scenes and the suspense really heightened them.
Overall, Damaged is a fine crime thriller and I suspect there may be a sequel. As long as Samuel L. Jackson is in it, I'll watch! I'll rate it 3.9 stars out of 5 because the plot wasn't fleshed out properly.
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Thumbnail Image, Fair Use
Other images are screenshots from the movie
Posted using CineTV
I have this movie on my watchlist. I was supposed to watch it yesterday but I fell asleep. I will watch it soon. Samuel L. Jackson I know definitely won't disappoint in playing his role. I love to watch good murder mystery and this one will be perfect. Amazing review! Thank you for the recommendation.
!discovery 44
Then be ready for the suspense and the twist at the end! It took me by surprise because I did not see it coming...may be because Samuel L. Jackson can do no wrong in my eyes! 😛.
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