Sleeping Dogs (2024) – Movie Review
Introduction
“Sleeping Dogs,” directed by Adam Cooper and released in 2024, is a crime thriller starring Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Marton Csokas, and Tommy Flanagan. The film is adapted from E.O. Chirovici’s novel “The Book of Mirrors.” It delves into themes of memory, trauma, and justice through the eyes of an ex-cop suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This review covers the film’s plot, performances, direction, and where you can stream it in the USA.
Plot Summary
Russell Crowe plays Roy Freeman, a retired homicide detective grappling with Alzheimer’s disease. Roy is asked to revisit a cold case involving the murder of Dr. Joseph Wieder (Marton Csokas) due to new evidence suggesting the wrong person is on death row. Roy, with fragmented memories, is drawn back into a web of deceit involving his former partner Jimmy Remis (Tommy Flanagan), an ambitious psychologist Laura Baines (Karen Gillan), and a writer named Richard Finn (Harry Greenwood), who documented the case in a memoir.
As Roy pieces together the case, flashbacks reveal different perspectives, complicating the narrative with unreliable memories and fractured storytelling. This exploration into the past not only seeks to solve the murder but also forces Roy to confront his own actions and the reliability of his memories.
Performances
Russell Crowe’s performance as Roy Freeman is a standout, bringing depth and gravitas to a character struggling with his past and present. Crowe’s portrayal adds emotional weight to the narrative, even as the film occasionally meanders. Karen Gillan and Marton Csokas provide strong support, with Gillan’s character adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the story. Tommy Flanagan delivers a solid performance as Roy’s grizzled former partner, contributing to the film’s gritty atmosphere.
Direction and Cinematography
Adam Cooper’s direction attempts to create a neo-noir atmosphere, using washed-out colors to reflect Roy’s fragmented state of mind. While this aesthetic choice enhances the thematic elements of memory and confusion, it also gives the film a somewhat dreary look. The non-linear narrative and frequent flashbacks can be disorienting, which, while intentional, sometimes detracts from the coherence of the plot.
The cinematography captures the moody, somber tone of the film, with effective use of shadows and tight framing to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension. However, the visual style can feel monotonous, and some scenes suffer from a lack of visual clarity.
Themes and Analysis
“Sleeping Dogs” explores complex themes such as the reliability of memory, the pursuit of justice, and the psychological impact of trauma. The film examines how memories can be manipulated, both by ourselves and by others, and the implications this has on understanding truth and justice. Roy’s journey is as much about uncovering the truth of the murder as it is about confronting his own fragmented identity and past actions.
Streaming Availability
For viewers in the USA, “Sleeping Dogs” is expected to be available on various streaming platforms after its theatrical release. Keep an eye on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental or purchase options.
Conclusion
“Sleeping Dogs” is an ambitious neo-noir thriller that offers a compelling performance from Russell Crowe. Despite its intriguing premise and thematic depth, the film is hampered by an overly complex narrative structure and aesthetic choices that may not appeal to all viewers. Fans of crime thrillers and character-driven dramas might find the film worthwhile, particularly for Crowe’s engrossing portrayal of a man lost in his own memories.
