Later, the movie begins to answer the many questions. Unfortunately, the answers never are satisfying. Drawing on pedophilia, racism, crooked cops, blackmail and power, the movie's conclusion leaves few Hollywood conventions untouched. The film's presentation comes off rather well, however, and proves to be one of its saving graces. The camera shots never are overly dramatic, but still create an intense atmosphere.
Darkness remains constant throughout the movie, from crowded, smoky bars to dark night streets.
Audiences never will forget the film's noir-esque quality. The movie also provides a look at late 1940s Los Angeles. Done well, the whole film showcases a believable set in a time quite different from our own. The housing and population situations may prove most shocking to audiences. The communities show kids playing in the street and people working in the yard.