Juror #2 Review: Clint Eastwood’s New Courtroom Thriller is Sturdy and Detailed

   November 16, 2024

Warner Bros. initially sidelined Clint Eastwood’s courtroom drama Juror #2. Despite critical acclaim for the 94-year-old director’s latest work, the studio only pursued an awards campaign after the film gained praise. The movie had a limited theatrical release by Warner Bros., a decision that was widely criticized. After watching Juror #2, I share the frustration of those who missed the chance to experience this procedural drama on the big screen.

Nicholas Hoult in Juror #2 (2024), directed by Clint Eastwood
Nicholas Hoult in Juror #2 (2024), directed by Clint Eastwood
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Juror #2 marks a strong comeback for Clint Eastwood, who spent much of the past decade exploring period dramas (Jersey Boys, Sully) and reflective Westerns (Cry Macho). This film reimagines courtroom classics like 12 Angry Men with a modern perspective, featuring gripping performances that shine both in and out of the courtroom.

Nicholas Hoult (The Order, The Menu) takes the lead as Justin Kemp, the titular Juror #2. Kemp is an ordinary family man grappling with a profound moral conflict during a high-profile murder trial. Gabriel Basso (The Strangers: Chapter 1) plays James Michael Sythe, the defendant accused of killing his girlfriend after a public altercation at a nearby bar.

The case appears straightforward, but Justin recalls hitting something—or someone—with his car on the same rainy night the girl’s body was discovered. Uncertain due to the poor visibility, dismissing it as a coincidence feels too convenient. As the story unfolds, Justin finds himself trapped in an escalating moral crisis, with the pressure mounting as the trial progresses.

Juror #2 succeeds through Clint Eastwood’s signature steady, classic style rather than flashy theatrics. Despite his advancing age, Eastwood’s approach remains unwavering. The film leans on a compelling ensemble cast that balances intensity with relatability and a script rich in nuance and detail, carrying the story confidently to its conclusion.

Joining Nicholas Hoult in Juror #2 is Zoey Deutch (Everybody Wants Some!!, Set It Up) as his wife, Allison. Toni Collette (Hereditary, Knives Out) plays Faith Killebrew, the determined Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case. Chris Messina (Air, Argo) stars as Eric Resnick, the public defender for Sythe, while J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, La La Land) shines as a fellow juror who delves into the case alongside Justin. The ensemble cast is rich with talent, keeping the film engrossing even when the focus shifts from Hoult’s quiet, tension-filled performance.

It’s unfortunate that Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 didn’t initially receive a full theatrical release or proper awards season push. While critical acclaim has since prompted a campaign, the film feels like one that could have thrived over time through word-of-mouth or support from fans of Eastwood’s storied career. Juror #2 is a dense, thought-provoking procedural. Its understated presentation may seem simple, but it offers more depth and complexity than much of Hollywood’s current output.

Score: 8/10

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