Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Brothers by Blood sadly doesn’t deliver the punch it promises even with its talented Cast. While the Movie may have you believe Brothers by Blood is a gritty Crime-Drama in the underbelly of the Philadelphia mob, it is more about a pair of cousins trying to figure out how to get their lives and gang back together from a rival family gang. However, one cousin is a hot head who cannot be trusted and the other is just trying to save the family.
The Movie focuses on Peter (Matthias Schoenaerts) as he has to figure out what to do with his cousin, Michael (Joel Kinnaman) who is causing issues between his gang and the other gang. The Film is heavy on mumbling dialogue and discussion, and unfortunately not a ton of action. There are clearly moments and scenes that appear to have some substance and ideology behind them, but it falls short and falls through the cracks unfortunately.
Schoenaerts as usual is fantastic in his work, stealing scenes and delivering powerful performances. Kinnaman also knows how to deliver in these types of roles usually, but in Brothers by Blood both Actors seem a little out-of-element. As well, Ryan Phillippe stars in the Film only momentarily, but in those few minutes he delivers the most memorable performance.
Jeremie Guez writes and directs Brothers by Blood, and there are moments that capture his vision, though overall the Film falls short. With the potential that is seen by on-screen and some rough edits, it is safe to assume something fell out of his hands. Brothers by Blood had so much potential, but there are missed opportunities to have made it more gripping.
VVS Films release BROTHERS BY BLOOD digitally and physically Tuesday, April 20, 2021.
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