Triple 9

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

On Friday, I had the chance to go check out John Hillcoat’s latest directorial project Triple 9. It tells the story of a group of criminals contracted by the Russian mob to pull off a heist of epic proportions and the plan to pull it off using a 999: killing a cop.

The movie starts off with Michael Belmont (Chiwetel Elijofor) and Russell Welch (Norman Reedus), two former military men-turned-criminals who spearhead all operations. Joined by Russell’s brother Gabe (Aaron Paul) and corrupt officers Marcus Atwood (Anthony Mackie) & Detective Jorge Rodriguez (Clifton Collins, Jr.), this “furious five” manages to pulls off their latest heist in order to please Irina Vlasov (Kate Winslet), the wife of a Russian mob boss who currently resides in prison. Irina continues her husband’s business in an alarmingly scary way.

After their most recent acquisition for Irina, she tasks them with one more job before the big pay-day, which entails retrieving files under heavy lock and key at Homeland Security. At first, Belmont is reluctant to help Irina this time, as he considered the job complete. But when she sends a very threatening and violent message to Belmont’s crew, the plan is set. One more job for the big pay-off, which will require a 999 to pull off, as all units will respond to that particular call and leave the city open for crime.

And as luck would have it, Atwood receives a new partner at his job, Chris Allen (Casey Affleck), whose uncle Jack Allen (Woody Harrelson) is investigating to find out the identities of Belmont and his crew. With Chris in the picture, the target is acquired and the plan goes into play.

Director John Hillcoat is best known for his work in the music video realm (Elvis Costello, Depeche Mode and Muse to name a few), yet stretches those directing chops in Triple 9 with one gritty, action-packed film. He’s also not afraid to make his cast work for their motivation within the role. In interviews, Paul and Reedus talked about having homework that Hillcoat assigned them to get into character (actual reading) and it shows in the performances.

Winslet brings a ruthless quality as the head of a Russian Jewish mafia. (Rose Dawson she is not.) Mackie as Marcus makes you fear him yet empathize with his struggle to kill his partner. Elijofor exhibits a vulnerability over protecting his son Felix (who happens to be Irina’s nephew) by doing whatever it takes to make it to that reunion. Reedus and Paul give a moving performance as brothers who butt heads, yet instill such affectionate subtleties towards one another that I feel no other actors could play Russell and Gabe like these two. And Collins as Rodriguez, he became my favorite character (aside from Winslet) to watch, as he played that duality of cop/criminal with such finesse and ease. For villains, the emotional rollercoaster I was on with each individual storyline proved to be one slow but exhilarating ride.

Triple 9 is in theaters now. If you’re up for a Training Day-esque film with a bit more corruption, this movie is for you.

Grade: A-