Moreland at the Movies: Edge of Darkness

By T. A. Moreland

Veteran Boston police officer, Thomas Craven (Mel Gibson) is excited to have his 24 year old daughter, Emma (Bojana Novakovic) home for a visit.

She becomes ill and as Craven supports her out the front door to get her to the hospital, an unknown assailant blasts her with a shot gun. Law enforcement theorizes that the shooter was aiming at Craven. But investigators soon realize that explanation is too simple and that the true story is much deeper and more complicated.

Edge of Darkness is one of the best films of 2010. The scenario of the angry father avenging the death of his child is not a new one but this movie takes that storyline to an extraordinary level.

This is an exceptional script. It escorts the viewers through this compelling drama and like a great mystery, gives clues that ultimately lead to a reasonable and justifiable conclusion.

The acting is excellent.  Mel Gibson may have given his best performance ever. He mourns the death of his daughter in a sympathetic way without being overly sappy.  He is strong; a bit flawed, and plays this part perfectly.

Each actor, even those with minor roles, gives intense and valuable performances.

The film’s realism is another asset. In one scene Craven tussles with his daughter’s former boyfriend. The two men are completely exhausted after a short battle. Unlike the usual Hollywood fair in which combatants go at it like a pair of well trained professional fighters. But this movie gets it right; fighting is very tiring.

In our cast diversity rating, Edge of Darkness gets a “C”.  This film set in Boston, has a black detective but few other actors of color.

Edge of Darkness is a rich compelling story which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

It gets our highest rating, See It.  It’s 1 hour and 52 minutes, and is rated “R” for extreme violence and graphic images.