Delia's Gone

Doesn't work. The actors did a valiant job trying to recover this weak plot and screenplay. It just doesn't work. It's just not plausible at all and the premise is weak. The lead actor did his best playing an autistic guy, but it's virtually impossible to pull it off given the script.

The plot is very 1 dimensional and really just becomes kind of a boring effort in trying to maintain the storyline. If that makes any sense at all. Overall it just doesn't work. I'm pretty sure the actors, writers and director would agree. I mean they tried but it's just not a good film. A for effort I guess. Actors did their best.

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.

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.

"Delia's Gone" isn't just a crime drama; it's a gripping, emotionally resonant journey that stays with you long after the credits roll. Set against the backdrop of 1900s Savannah, Georgia, the film follows Louis, a man with an intellectual disability, as he embarks on a desperate quest to clear his name after being wrongly accused of his sister's murder.

Stephan James delivers a truly remarkable performance as Louis. His portrayal is nuanced and deeply moving, capturing Louis's vulnerability, his unwavering determination to find justice for his sister, Delia, and the profound grief he experiences. The scene where Louis confronts a potential suspect, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and righteous anger, is particularly powerful.

The film masterfully maintains a captivating mystery. The gradual unveiling of clues, combined with a few well-placed red herrings, kept me constantly guessing. I was genuinely surprised by the unexpected twist near the end, which added an extra layer of intrigue.

"Delia's Gone" delves into profound themes of family, justice, and the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities. The film explores the complexities of sibling relationships, particularly the deep bond between Louis and his sister, and the devastating impact of her tragic death. The portrayal of the justice system is unflinching, highlighting the obstacles faced by marginalized individuals and the potential for corruption. Importantly, the film avoids stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrayal of individuals with intellectual disabilities, showcasing Louis's intelligence, resilience, and capacity for deep emotion.

While the pacing occasionally feels slightly uneven-- there are a few moments where the narrative slows down potentially losing momentum-- this is a minor quibble. "Delia's Gone" is a must-see for fans of crime dramas with complex moral dilemmas, those who enjoy films with a bleak and gritty aesthetic, and anyone interested in stories about seeking justice after being wrongly accused. This is a powerful and thought-provoking film.

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.