Masters in Crime (2018) Review

Masters in Crime (2018), directed by Ben Pickering, is a British crime thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of greed, betrayal, and the cost of ambition. While it is a low-budget production, the film attempts to deliver a gritty and thought-provoking narrative. Despite its intriguing premise, the movie struggles to maintain its momentum, hindered by uneven pacing and inconsistent execution.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Marcus King (Christopher Ellison) and Danny King (Richard Cordery), two aging criminal masterminds who have spent decades building a notorious reputation. With their criminal empire threatened by modern rivals and their own deteriorating health, the duo decides to stage one final heist to secure their legacy. They enlist the help of a younger protégé, Jamie (Jack Derges), whose ambition and cunning threaten to unravel their carefully laid plans.

As the heist unfolds, long-buried secrets and personal vendettas come to light, leading to a series of betrayals and unexpected twists. The film’s narrative explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the cost of a life devoted to crime, culminating in a tense and bittersweet conclusion.

Performances

Christopher Ellison and Richard Cordery deliver compelling performances as Marcus and Danny, portraying the complexities of aging criminals grappling with their legacy and mortality. Ellison brings a commanding presence to Marcus, blending ruthlessness with vulnerability, while Cordery’s portrayal of Danny adds a touch of melancholy and introspection.

Jack Derges’ Jamie serves as a catalyst for much of the film’s conflict. While his performance is solid, the character’s motivations and development feel underexplored, leaving the audience with unanswered questions about his true intentions. Supporting performances from the ensemble cast are serviceable but lack the depth needed to fully immerse viewers in the story.

Direction and Cinematography

Ben Pickering’s direction captures the grim atmosphere of the film’s setting, emphasizing the gritty realities of the criminal world. The use of muted colors and shadowy visuals reinforces the film’s dark tone, while the choice of urban landscapes adds authenticity to the narrative.

However, the cinematography occasionally feels inconsistent, with certain scenes appearing overly staged or lacking in visual coherence. While the film’s low budget is evident, more creative framing and lighting choices could have elevated its overall aesthetic.

Themes and Writing

Masters in Crime tackles themes of ambition, betrayal, and the passage of time. The narrative’s exploration of the aging protagonists adds a unique layer to the story, highlighting the vulnerabilities and regrets of characters who have spent their lives on the wrong side of the law.

The screenplay, while ambitious, suffers from uneven pacing and underdeveloped subplots. The film’s central heist, which should serve as the narrative’s focal point, often takes a backseat to character interactions and exposition. While these moments provide insight into the protagonists’ motivations, they detract from the tension and urgency that the genre demands.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the film’s strengths lies in its character-driven approach, offering a more introspective take on the crime thriller genre. The dynamic between Marcus and Danny is particularly engaging, showcasing their camaraderie and contrasting worldviews.

However, the film’s flaws are hard to overlook. The pacing is uneven, with a sluggish first act and a rushed conclusion that leaves little room for resolution. The dialogue, while occasionally sharp, often feels clichéd, undermining the film’s attempts at emotional depth. Additionally, the lack of high-stakes action or inventive heist sequences may disappoint fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Masters in Crime is a flawed but intriguing crime thriller that offers a character-driven perspective on the genre. While it succeeds in exploring the complexities of its aging protagonists, its narrative shortcomings and inconsistent execution prevent it from reaching its full potential. Fans of British crime dramas may find elements to appreciate, but others may be left wanting more from its premise.

For viewers seeking a contemplative take on the cost of a life of crime, Masters in Crime provides a watchable, if not entirely satisfying, experience. Its ambition is commendable, but its execution leaves much to be desired.