Detained (2024) Movie Review: A Chaotic Thriller with a Twisted Plot
Ever had one of those wild nights where you wake up in a police station, clueless about what happened the night before? Well, that’s the premise of Felipe Mucci’s latest film Detained (2024). The movie dives into the unpredictable and eerie situation of Rebecca, played by Abbie Cornish, who finds herself in a nightmare that goes far beyond a mere hangover.
A Night Gone Wrong
Rebecca starts her evening innocently enough, preparing for a date she matched with on a dating app. To calm her nerves, she stops by a local bar for a glass of wine. There, she encounters a mysterious man, and after a brief flirtation, they end up having an intimate encounter in her car. But that’s the last thing she remembers before blacking out.
When Rebecca wakes up, she’s handcuffed in what appears to be a police station, with Detectives Avery (Laz Alonso) and Moon (Moon Bloodgood) grilling her about the events of the previous night. At first, Rebecca assumes she’s being questioned for a minor infraction, but things quickly take a dark turn when the detectives reveal there’s blood on her car, suggesting she may have been involved in a fatal hit-and-run.
A Twisted, Mind-Bending Scenario
As Rebecca tries to piece together what happened, she realizes that something is off. The “police station” doesn’t feel real—it’s more like a poorly staged set. The detectives’ explanation that the station is under renovation only adds to the growing sense of unease. Things get even stranger when Rebecca’s friend Sarah (Breeda Wool) visits and warns her to run, implying that these aren’t real cops and that Rebecca is in serious danger.
What follows is a rollercoaster of suspense, confusion, and mounting paranoia. The film takes on an almost surreal quality as Rebecca discovers she’s trapped in an elaborate con game, orchestrated by Avery, who’s seeking revenge and a missing $8 million that he believes Rebecca has. Everyone around her—the guy at the bar, her so-called lawyer, even the other “prisoners”—is in on the plot.
Single-Setting Suspense
Detained unfolds almost entirely within the confines of the fake police station, a choice that heightens the film’s claustrophobic tension. This single setting forces the characters to bounce off each other in increasingly desperate ways as the stakes rise. The limited environment, likely a budgetary decision, works in the film’s favor by amplifying the sense of entrapment and intensifying the interactions between the characters.
Abbie Cornish’s portrayal of Rebecca is compelling, as she transitions from confused and vulnerable to resourceful and determined. Laz Alonso and Moon Bloodgood shine as the initially confident detectives whose façade quickly unravels, revealing the amateurish and chaotic nature of the con they’re running.
A Flawed But Entertaining Thriller
Detained is a film that demands you suspend disbelief, and if you’re willing to do so, it offers plenty of thrills and twists. The movie borrows heavily from classic crime thrillers like The Usual Suspects, complete with a mysterious villain and a series of plot twists that keep the audience guessing. However, the film’s numerous twists can sometimes feel overdone, and the story occasionally veers into the realm of implausibility.
Despite these flaws, Detained succeeds in creating an engaging and entertaining experience. The tension is palpable, and the film maintains a brisk pace that keeps viewers hooked. While the plot may be convoluted and the characters’ actions often defy logic, there’s a certain charm in the film’s embrace of its B-movie roots.
Final Verdict
Detained is far from perfect—it’s a chaotic, twist-filled thriller that doesn’t always make sense, but it’s also a lot of fun. The film’s single setting and limited budget don’t detract from its entertainment value; in fact, they add to the suspense. The performances by the cast, especially Abbie Cornish, Laz Alonso, and Moon Bloodgood, elevate the material, making the most of a script that sometimes struggles to find its footing.
If you’re in the mood for a crime thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers a wild ride of twists and turns, Detained is worth a watch. Just don’t expect everything to add up neatly—this is a film that thrives on its unpredictability and embraces the absurdity of its premise.
Where to Watch “Detained 2024” Online
For those interested in watching Detained 2024, the film is available on several streaming platforms and services:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rental or purchase, offering various quality options.
- Apple TV: Provides the film for rental or purchase, ensuring high-definition streaming.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers options to rent or buy Detained 2024, catering to Android users and Google account holders.
- YouTube Movies: Allows viewers to rent or purchase the film, similar to other services.
