The Trust

The Trust is a 2016 noir crime-thriller that explores the depths to which two desperate men are willing to go to save themselves from their dreary, unfulfilled lives. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood, who both offer an engaging performance ensuring that even in the film's most violent moments, there is an element of compassionate humanity. While not a mainstream Hollywood production, the film is well worth the watch for its intriguing story combined with the compelling performances from the main characters.

In The Trust, Cage and Wood play a pair of mismatched Las Vegas cops named Jim Stone and David Waters. Stone is a grizzled, hard-nosed veteran officer, while Waters is a younger, cynical cop who appears weary of the world. Together, they make an odd but intriguing pair, delivering excellent performances that keep viewers engaged.

Jim, who is not content with his low-paying job, accidentally stumbles upon an anomaly in a bail receipt that is linked to a hefty sum of money. His natural instinct as a cop is to investigate further which leads him down a path of a dark, criminal underworld connected to a drug cartel. Convinced that they have stumbled upon a golden opportunity, he ropes in the younger and often reluctant officer, Waters, to aid him in siphoning off the funds for themselves.

The Trust cleverly intertwines themes of friendship, duty, trust and treachery, with Cage's and Wood's characters navigating the moral high ground while also pursuing their personal goals. The film exposes their volatile relationship that is racked with suspicion and wavering loyalty. Their camaraderie and interactions are engrossing, building a necessary tension that forms the film's emotional center.

The setting in Las Vegas is a character itself. The city, famed for its vibrant nightlife and debauchery, acts as the backdrop against which the dirty dealings and shady operations of the characters unfold. The irony of two law enforcers delving into crime in a city known for its casinos, gambling, and hedonistic lifestyle adds an extra layer of complexity to the film's narrative.

Directed by the relatively unknown duo of Alex Brewer and Benjamin Brewer, The Trust is loaded with stylistic flair and thrill, demonstrating their understanding of the crime genre. They balance the dark and melancholic mood perfectly against moments of absurdity and dry humor, relieving the tension and offering viewers moments of respite.

The film also stars Sky Ferreira, a singer and actress who brings much-needed warmth and humanity in her role as a woman caught in the web of Stone and Waters' plans. Her character's involvement adds another dimension to the narrative, creating a tangible fallout for the pair's actions.

Nicolas Cage is in his element in this film, delivering a turbulent portrayal of a man driven to the brink of insanity by greed and desperation. Elijah Wood also delivers a nuanced performance, embodying the reluctant sidekick who gradually realizes the depth of the predicament they're in. Their performances are complemented by the screenplay that superbly explores their characters' motivations, flaws, and their underlining hope for redemption from their mundane lives.

The Trust isn't a happy film or even a fun film in the conventional sense. It is instead a dark, compelling foray into the flawed human psyche and the lengths they go to break free from a life of insignificance and disillusionment. The movie brilliantly intertwines its narrative threads into a gritty, atmospheric crime-thriller while exploring themes of desperation and redemption.

Maintaining a tight pace throughout its almost 90-minute runtime, The Trust keeps viewers on edge as the stakes heighten, decisions are made, and events begin spiraling out of control. Aided by the capable performances of Cage, Wood, and Ferreira, the film successfully crafts a potent and gritty tale of crime, desperation, and morality driven by curiosity and desperation. It is a solid thriller that leaves a remarkable impression, illustrating the dangerous road that desperation can lead to.