Today’s quick review: Closed Circuit. Six months after a terrorist bombing rocks London, the suicide of the alleged bomber’s defense attorney prompts Martin Rose (Eric Bana) to take over the case. Along with Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall), an old flame now serving as special counsel for the defense, Martin prepares for an uphill battle. But as the lawyers dig into the case, they discover a shocking truth that puts both of them in danger.
Closed Circuit is a crime thriller and mystery about a contentious trial where nothing is as it seems. Eric Bana and Rebecca Hall co-star as a pair of laywers tasked with defending an accused terrorist in the face of the government’s top-secret evidence and the full weight of public opinion. Closed Circuit has a reasonable premise for a thriller and a few decent twists, but its unlikable characters and misplayed plot leave it without much to offer.
Closed Circuit has a few worthwhile ideas, but its execution leaves plenty to be desired. The film’s stronger points include the cover-up that drives the plot, the emphasis on surveillance, and the elements of legal drama. But these strengths largely go to waste. The plot has a slow setup and a limp payoff. The legal angle never takes center stage. And what points the film tries to make about the surveillance state quickly get lost in the shuffle.
But what hurts Closed Circuit the most are its main characters. Martin and Claudia are in over their heads, and not in a way that leads to interesting drama. The movie plays Martin as a relentless advocate for the truth, but his weak will and lack of a plan lead to him getting walked over at every turn. Claudia is argumentative and easily manipulated, making her an active hindrance to the case. Neither character is likable or charming.
Closed Circuit has just enough in the way of plot and craftsmanship to be a middling thriller for those willing to stick it out. Its plot shows some potential, and it tries to build an atmosphere of suspense using indirect threats to its main characters. But the movie falls short when it comes to its heroes, its thrills, and the details of its plot. Most viewers will find the plot too dry and the characters too unappealing to be worth the effort.
For an action thriller that deals with similar themes but gives them more kick, try Enemy of the State. For a more powerful legal thriller, try Primal Fear. For an action thriller that delves into the aftermath of a terrorist attack, try Vantage Point.
6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for poor execution of a decent premise.