Loyalty has a price.|Sep. 08, 2020|France | Belgium | Netherlands | United States|105 Min.|R
Genre: Action;Crime;Drama
Description: “Brothers by Blood” is a slow-paced crime drama that fails to captivate its audience. Despite its gritty setting, tough characters, and violent undertones, the film struggles to create a sense of tension or urgency. The central plot revolves around whether a man should kill his reckless and unpredictable cousin, but the resolution feels underwhelming. The story follows two cousins whose lives are at risk, but the stakes never feel genuinely impactful.
The film relies heavily on the silence and brooding presence of its lead character, Peter, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Known for his compelling performances, Schoenaerts here is weighed down by a lackluster script. Peter grapples with the dilemma of dealing with his cousin Michael, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, who has turned into a destructive and volatile figure. Set against the backdrop of a feud between Irish and Italian gangs, Michael’s aggressive attempts to end the conflict only worsen the situation.
The screenplay, adapted from Pete Dexter’s 1991 novel *Brotherly Love* and directed by Jérémie Guez, feels stripped of depth and character development. Much of Peter’s internal conflict is left to the audience’s interpretation, as the film offers little insight into his thoughts or emotions. While Schoenaerts occasionally conveys a sense of torment, the overall tone leaves viewers questioning whether he’s truly troubled or simply cold. The film’s reserved approach ultimately makes it a forgettable entry in the crime drama genre.
Cast director: Jérémie Guez
Cast actor: Matthias Schoenaerts, Joel Kinnaman, Maika Monroe, Paul Schneider, Ryan Phillippe, Nicholas Crovetti, Felix Scott, Antoni Corone, James Nelson-Joyce, Tim Ahern
Original name: Brothers by Blood