First of all, I must say, that this movie, a B-movie, with AAA elements, with some expertise takes us as the viewer and drops us into an already well-developed story which has obviously been on-going since well-before we are introduced to Joel' character. It is done quite well as we are dropped into this plot right at a watershed moment as the FBI manipulate and connive their way into complete control with a very realistic, not just lack of care, but straight malcontent for our hero's safety. That's all I will say of the plot, other than how I really admired how each character we are introduced to feel just as well thought out as our main character and how even a character we see only for -45 seconds does, says or even implies something which is crucial in developing the whole story.

This movie reminds me of one of old where it's focus is singular and therefore much stronger in delivering a few, simple messages or invoking a few complex emotion's and I really cared about our hero, his family and even felt compassion for one of the main villains by the end.

I dont know why the pro-review world bombed this so hard. Are they uncomfterble with this movie's (true) statements on the twistedness of law-enforcement corruption which has only evolved terribly into something more undetectable and probably more damaging than that of old?

I don't know, but for a dark movie, released in a crap year with some strong and noble statements, I was quite impressed. And a few weak-performances from one of the cop's (mostly at the beginning) didn''t end up detracting from my enjoyment and I ended up quite enjoying this flick.

I've never heard of this film, nor seen any trailers, so I wasn't expecting much and decided to give it a go since there wasn't anything I haven't already seen to watch. Well, wow!

I'm shocked at some of the negative reviews so far. It goes to show you that you can't please everyone. It's either too Hollywood-ish or not Hollywood enough lol.

Here's why I REALLY liked it; For starters, this is actor Andrea Di Stefano second ever attempt at directing and writing, and compared to some of the films that have come out lately - and from seasoned writer and directors, he nailed it. Was it flawless? No. But considering is wasn't a big budget Hollywood production with seasoned filmmakers and with all lead cast being A-listers, but instead a British-made B-grade film with newb filmmakers, this was produced exceptionally well and is a winner imo.

I found the story very realistic and un-Hollywood-ish, which is refreshing for a change. Sure this story has been done many times before, but this one felt authentic. The last time I saw this type of genre movie that surprised and impressed me, was Shot Caller.

Casting was perfect, with all leads playing their respective roles on point, especially Joel Kinnaman who nailed his character.

Cinematography was great, the score/sound was fitting, and the production/location sets authentic. My only critique would be the pacing needed picking up in some parts, and/or the 113 min run-time trimmed down at least 10-15 mins.

Aside from that, this was one of the best B-grade films I've seen, with its unpredictable plot turn at every corner, excellent central performances, all packaged really well by an newbie filmmaker. It's a solid 9/10 from me!

To see any of my 1000+ ratings and 700+ reviews, click on my username.

Pete Koslow (Joel Kinnaman) is a convict forced to work for FBI agents Wilcox (Rosamund Pike) and Montgomery (Clive Owen) to infiltrate a Polish drug gang led by The General. An undercover NYPD cop tries to make a buy from Montgomery. He quickly makes the cop and tries to talk him out of the situation. Instead, The General's nephew Stazek kills the cop. Pete is forced to take fall as Stazek holds his wife Sofia (Ana de Armas) and their daughter Anna. Pete has to go back to prison. NYPD detective Grens (Common) investigates and suspects a cover up.

It tries to be a harden police corruption crime drama but it can't measure up. My initial feeling about the killing is that it's unlikely. While the bad FBI agents are a good excuse, the movie doesn't really explain why Pete was kept off-books. Pete also has the annoying habit of keeping Sofia in the dark. That leads to the annoying repetition of scenes where Sofia keeps pleading with Pete. At this point, the FBI has the drug deals and Stazek for murder. If they can't use the evidence for that, then there is no point in the undercover work in the first place. This is a simplistic thriller trying to sell itself as something more sophisticated. As long as one doesn't ask too many questions, this is a fine little thriller.