Gibson and cast give 'Darkness' its edge

Edge of Darkness is a gritty noir thriller that marks Mel Gibson’s return as a leading man for the first time in six years.  Regardless of whether you’ve forgiven him for his drunken anti-Semitic rant or not the million-dollar question is: does he still have the chops to lead a film? Yes he does. Gibson’s return is a dark one, as he plays Boston police Detective Thomas Craven investigating the murder of his daughter (Bojana Novakovic). It’s supposed that Craven was the intended target.  Craven doesn’t buy it and begins to investigate. His search for the truth leads him into a rattlesnake’s nest of cover up, conspiracy and political intrigue involving a research company called Northmore.  

Gibson brings plenty of that familiar, almost unstable intensity back to the screen. Though it’s muted a bit in this outing, that wild ferocity in his eyes flares up at all the right moments. Gibson balances between rage and grief with credibility and composure. This makes the performance very believable when it could easily have cross over in to melodrama. Gibson is aided by a solid cast to keep the film grounded in its gritty reality.  The always-impressive Ray Whinstone plays it cool and slick as Jedburgh, a cryptic and mysterious agent who cleans up corporate or government messes.  Whinstone always keeps you guessing as to what Jedburgh’s motives are and keeps you interested with his clever and intriguing dialogue. The scenes with him and Gibson are a treat of tension and quick wits. Another stand out performance is Danny Houston as Jack Bennett, the twisted and corrupt owner of Northmore.  Houston is very believable as a slick and dirty businessman with a cool and covertly hostile demeanor. 

The tight and engaging pace of the film only compliments the acting. As you discover clues with Craven the mystery builds and builds and new answers only lead to more questions. It’s a solid mystery wrapped up in an engaging thriller and it blends the two genres well. There’s never a dull or wasted moment in Edge of Darkness thanks to solid direction from Martin Campbell (Casino Royal).  His camera placement and pace bring this gritty neo-noir thriller to life with style and intrigue. This is not a movie for the faint of heart. The violence, when it happens is quick, mean and visceral. It’s rough and doesn’t shy away, which is one of the reasons the film keeps you watching.  

Edge of Darkness is a solid thriller that takes you where the title reads and is filled with a talented cast and packed with intensity. Those who like their noir or their thrillers dark and the plot thick will enjoy this one.  It’s a brooding piece that’s polished and rough in all the right places.

Run time: 108 minutes
Rated:  R
Grade:  B