Brothers by Blood

Brothers by Blood is a 2020 crime drama thriller directed by French director Jérémie Guez, starring high-profile actors like Matthias Schoenaerts, Joel Kinnaman, and Maika Monroe. Adapted from the novel "Brotherly Love" by Pete Dexter, the film immerses viewers into the gritty world of organized crime in the city of Philadelphia.

Mattias Schoenaerts plays the lead role of Peter Flood, a man haunted by a traumatic past. He lives in the shadow of a destructive family legacy forged by his violent grandfather and perpetuated by his older cousin Michael, played by Joel Kinnaman. Kinnaman's character is portrayed as a ruthless operator who will stop at nothing to establish control and dominance over the city's criminal underbelly. However, Peter's loyalty to family and blood ties is relentlessly tested as he navigates this tumultuous terrain.

Peter's internal struggle sets the stage for a gripping exploration of loyalty, identity, and the destructive effects of toxic masculinity. The promise of a better life seems to emerge in Grace, portrayed by Maika Monroe, a beacon of warmth, and potential redemption in the cold, hard world that Peter has found himself in. However, his loyalties are constantly being tested, having to find a balance between family, personal happiness and survival.

The character complexities are executed brilliantly by the actors, especially Schoenaerts, who brings a touch of vulnerability to his character that serves to humanize him amidst the escalating brutality. Kinnaman's performance is equally impressive with his portrayal of a hardened, calculated criminal, providing a stark contrast to Schoenaerts’ character. Together, they portray the symbiotic yet destructive relationship between family members caught up in the violent cycle of crime.

The film's setting of Philadelphia is more than mere backdrop, playing a vital role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the film. The often disregarded city streets and the dark, grim aesthetic of Guez's Philadelphia provides a stark canvas for the unfolding narrative, further intensifying the sense of oppression and desperation experienced by the characters.

Adding to this is the period setting of the 1980s that evokes nostalgia while maintaining the dark, foreboding atmosphere prevalent throughout the film. This era serves as an effective contrast to the regressive, violent world depicted in the film since it makes viewers resonate with a time known for its socio-economic growth and progress.

One of the remarkable aspects of Brothers by Blood is the layered storytelling approach used. With one foot rooted in the present's harsh realities and another delving into the tormented depths of the past, the narrative intertwines Peter's present-life struggles with traumatic, carefully revealed fragments of his past. This method of storytelling offers audiences a deep and holistic understanding of the characters' intricacies and motivations that go beyond the one-dimensional portrayal often found in generic crime thrillers.

Director Jérémie Guez's adeptness at handling controversial themes and complex character dynamics is on full display in Brothers By Blood. The screenplay, also written by Guez, pays great attention to character development, making it a character-driven story rather than merely focusing on action and violence. The audience is drawn into a moral and psychological battlefield where ingrained notions of 'right' and 'wrong' are constantly questioned.

Brothers by Blood paints a raw and honest picture of family ties and the devastating cost of loyalty. It addresses themes such as violence, family, loyalty, and toxic masculinity. It is a movie for those who appreciate heavy-hitting performances and a thoughtful narrative that delves into character psyches. It's a film that defies the typical "crime-genre" stereotype, presenting an emotionally-charged and gripping narrative sure to leave viewers contemplating long after the credits have rolled. Despite being dark and gritty, Brothers by Blood ultimately shines a light on the power of redemption and the human spirit’s resilience.