Destroyer

This is a 2018 movie that is directed by Karyn Kusama, and stars Nicole Kidman.  It is a well-crafted, deliberately paced thriller, but by no means easy to watch.  It is a grim movie from start to finish.  Personally speaking, I was riveted.

At the heart of the movie is a transformative performance by Kidman.  She plays an out-of-control, self-destructive cop, haunted by her past, and tortured from within.  Her portrayal is stunning, and easily ranks as one of the best of the year.  It is also one of her best performances ever.

But there is more to the movie than just her performance.  There were three things in particular that stood out for me.  The first is the narrative structure.  The movie switches between the present and the events of seventeen years past, slowly unfolding clues that help understand why is Kidman’s character obsessed and driven in the way that she is.  The second is the cinematography, especially in the way it captures the sprawl of Los Angeles.  Last but not the least, are the action/ fight sequences, which are sharp and brutal. 

Here is a link to the trailer.