Juror #2 presents an intriguing ethical dilemma: what if a juror realizes he might be guilty of the very crime he’s deliberating? Enter Nicholas Hoult (The Menu, Nosferatu), whose performance as Justin Kemp is more strained than gripping. He plays a conflicted young father whose sense of duty collides with his growing dread of being found out. Hoult veers into overacting, oscillating between exaggerated panic and stiff introspection. His inner turmoil often feels forced rather than organic, making it difficult to fully invest in his character’s moral dilemma.
Toni Collette (Hereditary) provides a strong counterbalance as the prosecution’s sharp-witted Faith Killebrew, and Zoey Deutch brings emotional depth as Kemp’s wife. But while the leads shine, the supporting characters—particularly the other jurors—are where the film falters. We have the stereotypical hothead, the wise elder, the skeptical intellectual, and the quiet one who only speaks at a pivotal moment. Their interactions feel like they’ve been lifted from a legal drama playbook, lacking any real development or complexity. When deliberation scenes arrive, they don’t simmer with tension so much as plod through the expected beats.
Clint Eastwood, directing at the age of 94, brings his signature no-nonsense style to the storytelling, but the pacing sometimes veers into sluggish. The muted cinematography and understated score work in the film’s favor, adding to the sense of unease. However, some plot developments feel too convenient, and the film’s climax leans into melodrama rather than the slow-burn suspense it sets up.
Juror #2 is an interesting morality play elevated by Hoult’s performance but held back by its shallow supporting characters and overly familiar execution. If this is truly Eastwood’s final film, it’s a respectable—if somewhat underwhelming—farewell.
RHFC Rating: 5/10 🍿
