A family man who serves as a juror in a murder case finds himself conflicted when he realises that he is deeply involved.
Impactful to the audience like very few films have. The reason behind this bold statement is the fact that director Clint Eastwood, writer Jonathan A. Abrams, and editors Joel Cox and David S. Cox (father and son) morally divide Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) as much as you as a viewer. To begin with, the story is solid. The man who is a juror in a murder case trial is very much involved in that case, to the point that he could provide evidence that can exonerate the man accused. But then to incriminate himself…
Here’s the catch: He has everything to lose, and the accused has seemingly nothing. He is a family man, and the accused has a lengthy criminal past. So, what does he do? What do you want him to do? What is the right thing to do? Morally. Legally. Or, what does distinguish the two? As the story unfolds, the defence lawyer (Chris Messina) acknowledges his client’s criminal past but believes in his innocence. Then, the prosecutor (Toni Collette) is hungry for power and wants to win, but she starts seeing the big picture. And then there is everyone else who just wants to put the “bad guy” away. A “bad guy” who is the only one knowing from the very beginning he did not do it.
Pay attention to the editing and reaction shots throughout the film. Whenever the bad guy is accused of the crime, the editors cut back and forth to Kemp’s reactions. Because he knows. And then, they cut to his family situation and bring up the drama they have experienced in the past. And for almost two hours, the filmmakers put you on the spot, making you watch so you can decide what kind of justice you want them to serve. Do you want Kemo to hold his silence? Do you want to see an innocent man who has paid his dues go to prison for life? What do you want to happen???
Juror#2 could be an excellent case study involving the director and the audience. Surely, one day, someone will write about it (maybe me). Until then, Eastwood and Abrams also put justice on the spot as they heavily hint that people who serve the justice system might be serving their needs and personal interests rather than the idea it represents.
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