Destroyer

      Nicole Kidman is mesmerizing as a troubled L.A. detective investigating a murder that opens up wounds from an old undercover assignment. Directed by Karyn Kusama, the film is uncompromising in it's grim portrayal of Ms. Kidman's journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles. 

      Ms. Kidman, herself, dives deep into the role of Erin Bell in a level of work that we've never seen before from the talented actress. She loses herself in a character so flawed and unlikable that it makes watching her almost unbearable but at the same time, you can't take your eyes off her. The film jumps back and forth in time to her earlier undercover work and the present, slowly revealing to the audience the events that lead to the changes in Ms. Kidman's character. 

      The film co-stars Sebastian Stan as Erin's undercover partner, Chris, as well as Toby Kebbell, Bradley Whitford, Tatiana Maslany, and Scoot McNairy. Very well cast, it is Ms. Kidman, on screen in almost every scene, that drives the narrative. This is a dark and surprising film on many levels. It is certainly not light entertainment but it is a chance to watch an actress doing her best work, spiraling out of control in this nasty (in a good way) crime drama.