Juror #2 (Eastwood, 2024)

 Written by Kenza Bouhnass-Parra

Clint Eastwood has directed a judicial thriller that brings back all our favorite aspects from when the genre was thriving in the 1990s, and it barely being shown. 

Juror #2 centres itself at the heart of a murder trial when soon-to-be dad Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) realises he might hold information that could sway the jury’s verdict on a conviction or release of the accused killer. 

The premise is alluring enough by itself. You throw in there Toni Collette, J.K Simmons and a 94 year old Clint Eastwood behind the camera and you except to be in for a hell of a ride. And Juror #2 delivers on those expectations. Through a precise and straightforward screenplay, writer Jonathan Abrams sets the stage for sharp thriller that astounds at every turn with its precision. While the principal stakes are brought to the audience fairly quickly, viewers find themselves taken to the edge of their seats a newly concealed elements are revealed at unexpected corners. Nothing is left at random. Every single shot reeks of meticulousness, either driving the audience to trust the system being dissected in front of their eyes, or to question its pristine conscientiousness. 

Those back and forth also happen directly on screen as we follow the jury’s deliberations on the trial. What starts as a reminiscence of 12 Angry Men, with arguments being pleaded and votes being swayed, Juror #2 is aware enough of its parallels to not fall into the traps of mimicking. 

The ensemble cast of the jury is staggering, constantly in sync with one another, where every single one of the members gets a moment to themselves, standing out while maintaining a strong coalition. Nicholas Hoult, of course, gets to shine the brightest. His intrinsic look of innocence brings an naivety to Justin Kemp that cannot help but bring the viewer to root for him and remain invested in his muddling through. 

As the defence counsel, Chris Messina is poised opposite Toni Collette, the prosecutor, and while their chemistry sparks from their first interaction, it is the legendary Australian who takes the win in regards to the audience. Her presence can be felt all throughout the film, her magnetism remaining long after she has left the shot, and we cannot help but await for another sight of her trademark ponytail. 

Juror #2 hits every nail of its premise, creating a compelling and nail-biting thriller while leaving room for dilemmas to arise, sit with you and tingle that little bell of conscience in your brain. In short, it passes the nostalgia of 90s thrillers, surprising you at its every whirl, with flying colours. 

Photo credits to The Hollywood Reporter, The New Yorker, and Empire Magazine.