Masterfully Delivered Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (7 May 2009)

With this film adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name, Ben Affleck has proved that his skill behind the camera far surpasses his talent in front of it.
Stepping away from acting in order to direct, the elder Affleck also co-wrote the film which stars his brother, Casey Affleck, as middle-aged detective Patrick Kenzie. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including the talents of old hands Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, as well as relatively younger hands Michelle Monaghan and Amy Ryan.
The premise is simple: a child is abducted and a private detective is hired to assist police with the investigation. What happens next is at turns exciting, disturbing, and shocking as Kenzie struggles to reach the bottom of an ever-deepening conspiracy involving criminals, police, and family.
Overall a superb delivery, featuring a great demonstration of Casey Affleck's star quality and his brother Ben's masterful direction. Well worth watching again and again.