Known for the Broadway musical “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” American playwright Jonathan Abrams stepped out of his comfort zone and into a different genre with the PG-13 thriller “Juror #2.” Clint Eastwood released the film on Oct. 27, 2024, following its world premiere at the American Film Institute (AFI) Fest in Los Angeles. Afterward, it became available to stream exclusively on Max starting Dec. 20.
The film follows magazine journalist Justin Kemp, played by Nicholas Hoult, as he reports for jury duty as juror #2 in the murder trial of Kendall Carter. A year earlier, Kendall fought with her boyfriend, James Sythe, at a bar before walking home alone. The next morning, a hiker discovered her body under a bridge, and investigators charged James with her murder.
The bartender confirms Jame’s intoxicated and erratic behavior on the night of the murder. A coroner then explains that Kendall’s injuries resulted from a collision with something solid and wide enough, such as a truck, to cleanly snap her clavicles in two. Finally, an elderly man claims he saw James exiting his vehicle and looking over the spot where Kendall’s body was.
Recalling that night, Justin realizes he was at the same bar. At the time, he was struggling with relapsing after his wife’s double miscarriage. On his drive home, his truck struck something in the road. He dismissed it as a deer and, unable to see through the downpour, drove home. Now, in the jury box, Justin realizes he may have killed Kendall. He labors to sway the other jurors, fighting for a not guilty verdict for James.
Both authors agreed that “Juror #2” delivered strong cinematography and effectively built tension, particularly as Justin’s involvement in the crime risked exposure. The film’s moral dilemma compelled viewers to root for Justin’s success, while still feeling uneasy about an innocent man taking the fall
Despite strong performances, the script’s sluggish start and uneven dialogue kept the film from fulfilling its full potential. The pacing faltered, especially in the drawn-out finale, which dragged unnecessarily after the courthouse scene. The directors wanted a longer runtime but resorted to devolving into repetitive back-and-forth during the final 20 minutes.
Most jurors remained steadfast until suddenly having an abrupt change of heart. The producers underused key figures, such as J.K. Simmons’ police detective-turned-juror. Justin’s backstory, revealed too late, could have deepened emotional stakes if introduced earlier.
If you are looking for a movie that will not demand your full attention, “Juror #2” fits the bill. It has enough drama and solid acting to qualify as a film but lacks the emotional punch the trailer promises. A satisfying payoff is essential; here, it does not land with enough force to justify the runtime.
