Tense thriller explores fascinating moral conundrum

Rating: 8/10 (11 February 2008)

"Gone Baby Gone", directed by Ben Afleck, explorers the moral choices being made by people involved in the disappearance of a little girl. It would not be prudent to detail the plot as much of the film's effectiveness lies in gentle revelations. Afleck applies a no-nonsense style to the proceedings and casts impeccably. The photography of Boston neighborhoods is rich and striking, as is the portrait-like attention paid to interesting and unique faces. The sense of "neighborhood" feels authentic. Casey Afleck is compelling as a private detective charged with untangling the human machinations that contributed to the child's disappearance. Some of the motivations, unfortunately, remain clouded at film's end. Still, this is a small gripe that does not handicap a tense, emotionally draining thriller. There is what's legal and there is what's right for one person and wrong for another. "Gone Baby Gone" explores this fascinating ethical conundrum.