[dropcap]N[/dropcap]o Good Deed was a surprise hit at the box office weeks ago (nowhere near Guardians numbers but still no. 1). Here is a late review to tell you about what you might be missing.
Colin Evans (Idris Elba) is a convict, and “malignant narcissist,” who escapes custody in Tennessee after being denied parole. A few stolen cars plus one dead ex-girlfriend and a swerve off the road later, he charms his way into the home of housewife Terri (Taraji P. Henson), who’s alone with her two children.
The success of the film should surprise no one. Idris Elba is a talented actor with a devoted following, for one thing. Second, the production brings a lot to the table, on top of the award-winning and nominated cast.
The story may seem derivative but the structure is tight. Tension builds at a pace that is deliberate and steady; when Evans enters the house at first, you wonder if he is going to do anything at all.
While it takes its time, when the film gets going at this critical juncture it kicks into gear as a battle of wills between the two main characters.
Elba is very good in his role, bringing out the methodical and calculating yet obsessively volatile quality of the killer. Optical effects and repetition of sounds help sketch his mental state at points when the proverbial urge to kill is rising.
Beyond the psychological realism, No Good Deed puts various film-noir elements to use, particularly light and shadow — and a healthy dose of murder.
The only thing that mars it is the unbelievable setups involving Elba getting hit over the head (constantly), only to get right back up and shake it off. In contrast, supporting characters, like Terri’s BFF (Leslie Bibb), go down after one hit.
But the film makes up for it at the climax with a final showdown that ends in grand, Hand-That-Rocks-the-Cradle fashion, and delivers a truly unexpected twist.
At a glance, No Good Deed looks like a run-of-the-mill late-summer thriller. While it is suitable popcorn fodder, its fine performances and cast will hold your interest without overplaying its hand.
