July 13, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Film Review: “Destroyer”

FILM REVIEW
“DESTROYER”
Rated R
123 Minutes
Released December 25th


Get ready…”Destroyer” is like the lump of coal that Santa delivered if you were really, REALLY bad – or the what your worst enemy might put in a pretty box and leave on your doorstep. This movie is about vengeance, and vengeance as only a wronged woman can dispense it. Nicole Kidman transforms herself into Erin Bell, a disgraced FBI agent with a drinking problem and extreme anger issues – a character so broken, angry and focused on revenge that she doesn’t really need to put into words the fact that she’s dangerous because she doesn’t “care what happens.” Liam Neeson could take lessons from Kidman for his next vigilante role.

This is a relentlessly painful portrayal of a woman who has endured unspeakable pain in her life. Kidman has created this character from the depth of her soul and has channeled animal instincts to present her physicality. Director Karyn Kusama says that she sent Kidman a clip of a group of trapped coyotes to emulate to get to the heart of her character. The rest of the cast are excellent foils to Kidman’s relentless commitment to retribution. Toby Kebbell is perfectly understated as evil incarnate, Tatiana Maslany as the gang moll, Sebastian Stan as fellow FBI agent/lover and Bradley Whitford as a deliciously sleazy businessman.

Director Kusama followed the script explicitly, which in the end hurt the flow of the descent into the character’s agony. Flashbacks are perhaps a bit overused and the jumps between past and present interrupt the flow. However the story still moves with a forceful rhythm, and the acting and camera work draws you into the mind of the protagonist. Makeup artist Bob Corso should get an Oscar nom for his work here. Many of the characters undergo complete physical transformations which he makes seem real.

The story is a mixture of Greek and Shakespearean tragedy set in modern day Los Angeles. The budget was low for this kind of film and the shoot schedule was tight. However in this case the budget constraints may have added to the realism and to the actors’ gritty performances. Watch carefully for clues about each character, as all is not laid out to be obvious. The end is a dramatic cathartic twist.

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people.  She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com

 

in News
<>Related Posts

County Health Leaders Decry Federal Policy Barring Undocumented from Programs

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The officials argued the policy jeopardizes care for all residents, noting it could deter people—regardless of status—from seeking treatment  Leaders...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

LA Medical Center Seeks Help Identifying Unconscious Patient

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

He has been unconscious since admission, and staff have been unable to determine his identity Los Angeles General Medical Center,...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Conservancy to Tour Historic Miles Playhouse at State of the City Event

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Built in 1929, the Miles Playhouse serves as the centerpiece of Lincoln Park The Santa Monica Conservancy will offer 15-minute...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...