After his nothing short of stunning performance in last year’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (which, by the way, was also the best film of last year) and now his also brilliant performance in this, it’s very clear that Casey Affleck is one to watch. Mark my words, and I’m sure many other people's too, that you will be seeing a lot more of quality performances from this guy. His subtle yet intense mannerisms are a wonder and a joy to watch, I can only wonder where the hell he has been hiding all these years.
Added to this great lead performance we have a fantastic supporting cast with people like Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, and Michelle Monaghan; all are just excellent here. It’s so relieving to see that there can be an impressive cast on paper and yet working on a worthy film and giving great performances without the big paychecks being the only thing on their minds. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful, Oscar-nominated supporting performance of Amy Ryan who plays the mother of the missing little girl. She gives one of those convictional and "loud" performances but at the same time not coming off as being over-the-top and/or annoying.
Actor-turned-director Ben Affleck has delivered an impressive debut film. It contains brilliant performances, a host of thrilling and very tense scenes and it offers something for us to chew on whilst and even after the film has finished. It’s not perfect, as Affleck’s inexperience as a director does shine through from time to time as far as how certain things are revealed and timing and the like, but it certainly shines amongst other films of it’s type.
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