Beginning with a moment of heavenly bliss and ending on a hellish vision of fated disaster, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead from the now 83 year-old film legend Sidney Lumet is as gripping and unforgettably tragic a thriller as you'll see all year. The concept is simple enough: two brothers hatch a scheme to rob their own parents' jewelery store knowing that no one will be hurt and insurance will cover all of their losses. Of course, like in all great crime thrillers, things start going wrong awfully fast and soon the two brothers are in a tailspin, fighting for their lives and trying to steer clear of a conviction for their despicable conduct. The original screenplay by Kelly Masterson even goes as far as to interweave different portions of the narrative from varying time frames, creating a riveting jigsaw puzzle of events that unfolds with same roundabout logic as the brothers' daft robbery plan.Phillip Seymour Hoffman is every bit as good as he's ever been as Andy, the more shrewd and aggressive of the two brothers. He hatches the scheme and coaxes his younger brother, Hank, (Ethan Hawke) into going along with it. Albert Finney also stars as the pair's grieving father. The trio of actors are brilliant in ways words cannot describe and their assisstance in navigating the film from ludicrous crime caper comedy to blistering vengeance drama helps sell the elaborate, outlandish plot with pitch-perfect effectiveness. The film is like an unstoppable descent into darkness and while it's not exactly a fun ride, it can be a truly fascinating one. People change under pressure and the weight of a botched robbery applies itself heavily to the consciences of the two brothers, stirring up very different emotions in each of them. Andy is transformed into a ruthless vigilante determined to preserve his safety. Hank shrinks away from the circumstances and becomes engulfed by guilt. This is as much a wicked morality tale and psychological drama as it is a crime film. It's layered with the kind of rich narrative complexity that merits your sincere attention and perhaps repeat viewings. Seeds are sewn early on that will eventually spill over with deadly consequences in final moments. Nothing is wasted and anything is possible.
Grade: A-
