Delia's Gone

I tried desperately, and I do mean desperately to like this film considering the historical body of work by the leads, Tomei and James. They did what they could with what they were given but why? Why did these two phenomenal actors even attempt to breathe life into this dull and implausible script? Marissa Tomei was the very life of Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny and Stephan James embodied Alfonzo Hunt as I'm sure James Baldwin envisioned him when writing If Beale Street Could Talk. Were they doing a favor for writer/director Robert Budreau? Were they begged, threatened? Kidding of course (?). The caliber of these actors rises far above the lackluster script, simplistic direction, and stale cinematography that is the mundanity of Delia's Gone.

Delia's Gone is a decent movie. Even though it's fairly slow, it still keeps you invested in the story and the lead character's journey. Stephan James gives a good performance and Paul Walter Hauser is his usual likeable self. The musical score is distinct and fitting.

I really don't have anything specifically bad to say about this movie. I'm not sure what it is, but it didn't do much for me. It's fine. More than fine. But I needed more. It's the usual difference I feel between theatrical movies compared to the lower quality streaming movies. It doesn't have the "it" factor. (1 viewing, 4/9/2023)

Conceptually, it's a great premise for a story, but producer, writer and director Robert Budreau missed a huge opportunity to make this a great film, had he at least consulted a seasoned filmmaker for much needed improvements in his writing and directing.

His story lacked cohesion, intrigue or any suspense. It was told in a static, inconsistent and bland "as a matter of fact" style, that dismisses any opportunity to become captivated or invested, especially when the normally comfortable 90 min runtime dragged on and on with slow pacing and too much filler for the little substance this film had to offer. This film could've easily been cut down to a short film, and it would by more appealing and enjoyable. Budreau's choice of depressing drab colors and poor cinematography just made matters worse. You can also tell he failed to direct his cast properly, especially Marisa Tomei, who seemed lost and out of place in most scenes, as well as some ridiculous dialogue Budreau wrote for her character as well as Stephan James' character. It's a generous 6/10 from me, mostly going to the great cast who did their best with what they were given.

In small-town suspenser "Delia's Gone" learning-disabled Stephan James' convicted of killing sis Genelle Williams, but on his release hears he may not've been responsible - sending him quietly, relentlessly (and violently) around his depressed, rural town after the truth via scrotes like Travis Fimmel, Billy MacLellan & Graham Abbey... as Sheriff Paul Walter Hauser & state detective Marisa Tomei hunt him (while addressing tensions between them). Hauser & Tomei's class make them by far the most interesting aspect, but they're too underused to save this from being simplistically mediocre. Writer / director Robert Budreau may have aimed for "Fargo" heights... but missed.

Set in bleak rural America, we follow the story of Louis (Stephan James), who after a childhood accident is left with a mental impairment and is raised by his sister Delia. After waking up to find her dead body on his kitchen floor, he is accused of her murder and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Having served his time in jail, he now lives in a voluntary institution, where he is visited by 'Stacker' (Travis Fimmel), one of the last people to see his sister alive. Claiming to know more about Delia's murder, he sets Louis on a path to uncover who is really responsible for her mysterious death. Travis Fimmel is incredible in Vikings but I've never seen him break free of that character, offering the same performance on repeat. However this is the closest I've seen him come to breaking free of that mould. Cast as a broken man trying to rebuild his life and his family. As Louis leaves a path of destruction in his wake, he is pursued by ex Sherif Fran, played by Marisa Tomei who is uncharacteristically but deliberately unlikeable.

What helps set this film apart from most murder mysteries, is that instead of a grizzled detective who had solved countless cases, Louis sees the world differently and has to resort to unorthodox methods to find the clues and answers he needs.

The plot isn't overly complicated but I think this is a conscious decision made by the filmmakers, as if it were, it would make it less believable that Louis could follow a complex investigation.

This film isn't an action packed revenge thriller like John Wick. It's far more bleak and closer in style to True Detective. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, as the slow pacing and sparse landscapes can make it feel quite laboured in places. However as it only runs for 90 minutes, it's closer to watching an episode on Netflix than a feature film.

Some solid performances from the leads, an interesting concept and an intriguing murder to solve. If you're looking for a revenge crime thriller with a difference, then Delia's Missing is worth your time.