The Good Neighbor

Sitting down to watch the 2021 thriller "The Good Neighbor" was because I had the opportunity to do so. I hadn't even heard about this movie from writer Ross Partridge and director Stephan Rick prior to watching it. But I will say that the movie's synopsis sounded interesting enough to catch my attention. And also the fact that the movie had Jonathan Rhys Meyers on the cast list helped to sweeten the deal.

The storyline in "The Good Neighbor" was good and well-written. Sure, it was somewhat generic at certain aspects and it was somewhat predictable, but it actually made for good entertainment. There was something 'old school thriller' about the way that the story was constructed and brought to life on the screen.

The acting performances in the movie were good, and lead actors Luke Kleintank and Jonathan Rhys Meyers were nicely cast for the leading roles. I was especially impressed with Jonathan Rhys Meyers' performance, because he was superbly cast for that particular role and he brought the characters to life in a very realistic and believable manner.

If you enjoy thrillers, then you definitely should give "The Good Neighbor" a chance, should you have the opportunity to watch it. I was genuinely surprised and entertained with this movie from director Stephan Rick. While the movie is entertaining and watchable, it hardly is a thriller that you will watch more than once, simply as the storyline doesn't have enough layers and contents to support more than a single viewing, as this first viewing leaves nothing else to be discovered.

The ending of the movie, now that was a slap to the face with a cold, dead face. I didn't enjoy that ending one bit.

My rating of "The Good Neighbor" lands on a six out of ten stars.

When two newly acquainted neighbours decide to go out for a drink together their lives change for ever when they knock a cyclist down on a quiet road on the way back from the club killing her instantly. Rather than do the right thing both men flee the scene. Worse is to follow when journalist David (the driver responsible) is assigned with the task of investigating his own crime, but he also starts seeing the victim's sister Vanessa whom is unaware of David's true identity...

There is quite a quirky dynamic between Robert and David which, at times, does make the film interesting. You can sense early on that Robert is a ticking time bomb whom it seems does not take rejection particularly well. On the other hand, David seems more of an average Joe who doesn't seem to possess any strange character traits; his only flaw perhaps is that he can be easily lead which is what puts him in the mess he ultimately ends up in.

Whilst it's clearly pivotal to the plot I have to admit to being less impressed with the film when Vanessa arrives on the scene. The bulk of the film revolves around her blossoming relationship with David; in all honesty David and Vanessa are both a tad bland and I would have preferred it if more focus would have been shifted on to both Robert (due to his more interesting persona) and the investigation surrounding the collision (which seems under-utilised). The only mildly intriguing aspect of their relationship is finding out when/if/how Vanessa discovers the truth, but for me it's not a good enough hook to keep me fully involved.

Thank goodness then for Jonathan Rhys Meyers whose creepy unhinged performance here is the highlight of the film. I did miss him when he wasn't on the screen as every other aspect of the story was a tad mundane. He transforms a rather unremarkable film in to something that is semi-watchable which is quite commendable.

The Good Neighbour is worth a look if there's nothing else on, but it's not something I would recommend making a big point of seeing.

Just ok, a bit long and very predictable. I myself LOVE Meyer as an actor but he just didn't mesh well with the other lead actor. His emotions and reaction at times were laughable because they felt so fake or unreal. I really only wanted to see this movie because he was in it but not that I have I wish I hadn't. Was it a good thriller? Yes, but nothing new or special. Good for a one time watch, MAYBE two, but that was it. Never found out why the girl was on her bike, on that road at night in the first place, but oh well.

Prepare to be drawn into a world of moral ambiguity and escalating tension in "The Good Neighbor." Luke Kleintank brings depth to the character of David, whose accidental actions set off a chain of events that spiral out of control. Vanessa's grief, portrayed by Eloise Smyth, adds an emotional anchor to the narrative. However, it's Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Robert that steals the show - his portrayal of the seemingly perfect neighbor harboring sinister motives keeps you guessing at every turn. The conflict between David and Robert builds to a climax that's as chilling as it is riveting. This is a story of guilt, redemption, and the dark corners of human nature that will leave you deep in thought long after the credits roll.

This one of those movies that starts out with the question what any of us would have in the same situation as the protagonist. What if you did something bad and you could get away with it? Has been done before. But the performances are really strong. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is great in his mix of subtle and all out moments. Luke Kleintank does a good job, being relatable while at the same time going down a slippery slope. The film has a retro feel in its premise, and also the pacing is not superfast, but the tension rises constantly to a surprising climax.