Destroyer

Destroyer is a harrowing crime thriller movie intimately directed by Karyn Kusama that was released in 2018. The film offers a gritty showcase for its star, Nicole Kidman, who bravely steps deeply into unexplored acting terrain. Backed by a supporting cast of Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany, and others, the film doesn't shy away from delving into the bleak aspects of human experience.

The narrative is focused on the tired and rugged character Erin Bell, played masterfully by Kidman. Erin is an LA police detective with the physical and emotional scars to tell tales of her tumultuous past and arduous line of duty. The film offers a stark departure from roles Kidman has previously taken, coming across as rough and hardened from years of turmoil and personal demons.

Throughout the movie, Kidman's character is seen in two critical stages of her life. One is her present condition as a traumatized, hard-edged detective, and the other is a younger, more vital version of herself shown in carefully spliced flashbacks, contributing to the non-linear narrative of the movie. These flashbacks recount the undercover operation that seems to have marked the turning point in Erin's life, the consequences of which continue to haunt her.

Past and present intertwine perfectly, thanks primarily to the dexterous direction of Kusama and the skilled editing by Plummy Tucker. The movie has a steady, confident approach, revealing more about Erin's history and personal life as the narrative progresses, but never revealing too much, too soon. This steady revelation adds a tone of mystery to the movie, making it a haunting rendition of hardboiled crime dramas.

Nicole Kidman, arguably in one of her best roles, is the central figure of the movie, with her presence affecting every frame. She delivers an indelible performance as the beleaguered detective obsessed with pursuing justice at any cost. Kidman makes Erin a deeply flawed anti-heroine, her performance offering an illuminating contrast to the glamorous roles that she usually takes.

Kidman is powerfully backed by the rest of the ensemble. Toby Kebbell, in particular, puts forth a haunting portrayal of a gang leader. The spotlight also shines brightly on Tatiana Maslany, who delivers a fearless performance as a seasoned criminal involved in the case Erin so desperately fights to solve.

Kusama's directorial approach for Destroyer tends to favor the character over the story, but this is not to its disadvantage. She skillfully brings out the best from an engaging script written by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi and uses the dystopian-like depiction of Los Angeles as a fitting backdrop to Erin's chaotic world. The dusty hued frames of the city and discordant scenes of city life, which are beautifully captured by cinematographer Julie Kirkwood, add an additional layer of melancholy to the film.

It’s also important to mention the haunted and hypnotic soundtrack of the film by Theodore Shapiro. He creates an atmosphere that amplifies the dark realism of the story, adding another dimension to the tense ambiance prevailing throughout the narrative.

Destroyer is not simply a crime saga. Instead, it is an intense character study of a woman who had her life shattered by her past. It is about the personal emptiness and devastation that the relentless pursuit of justice can cause in one's life, and how this effects ripple through time.

Altogether, Destroyer is a testament to the unimaginable burdens carried by its lead character and the lengths she goes for redemption. It's a densely woven dramatic thriller, anchored by a breathtaking lead performance from Nicole Kidman. The film, with its bleak visual style and emotionally complex narrative, leaves a lasting impression on its audience and provokes thought about the toll one’s career and personal experiences can take. Brimming with mystery, mayhem, and tragedy, Destroyer is a film that does more than entertain—it leaves an indelible mark.