One of the best thrillers you missed in theaters is now streaming - and it's at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

As I left my cinema screening of “Juror No. 2″ came, the 2015 film “The Martian” was running through my head. One is a real ethical dilemma, the other is a big budget sci-fi film about an astronaut stuck on Mars. And yet, in my opinion, the films have one essential thing in common: both are among the greatest entertaining films ever made.

That’s not to say Juror No.2 is my favorite movie of the year (and The Martian wasn’t my favorite movie of 2015 either), but if you’re supposed to recommend a movie to someone based solely on the entertainment factor, this is it He’s the right person. Both come to mind immediately. Unfortunately, I suspect that many people did not have the opportunity to see “Juror No. 2” because Warner Bros. decided against a wide theatrical release and instead opened in fewer than 50 theaters domestically.

This is a crime for which no jury in the country would find the media company innocent, because “Juror No. 2” is the definition of a must-watch film, and it deserves to be enjoyed by many more people on the big screen. Luckily, it’s only just arrived on premium video-on-demand platforms (including Amazon and Apple). So if you weren’t able to catch this Clint Eastwood-directed film at your local multiplex, you can at least watch it at home and understand why it’s so hyped.

It has been suggested that “Juror No. 2” could be Clint Eastwood’s last film, and if so, that’s an incredible point to make. Here’s why you won’t want to miss this legal thriller as it’s available to stream now…

What is “Juror #2” about?

Juror #2 | Official Trailer | Max – YouTube

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Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) is a recovering alcoholic with a heavily pregnant wife (Zoey Deutch) at home. Let’s just say that his summons to a jury isn’t particularly welcome. However, once he is selected as a jury member for a high-profile murder case, being away from his wife and the daily commute to the courtroom are the least of his problems.

The family man faces an impossible moral dilemma when he realizes that the man on trial for murdering his girlfriend after a drunken argument in a seedy bar is innocent. How does Justin know this? Because Juston himself is (unintentionally) responsible for the victim’s death. And now Justin must decide whether to convict an innocent man or reveal the truth.

The rest of the jury and prosecutor Faith Killebrew (Toni Collette) are convinced they have arrested the culprit, but Juston knows the truth. They will send an innocent man to prison. With his future and family at stake, Justin tries to find a way to convince his fellow jurors that they have the wrong man without revealing his involvement.

“Juror No. 2” is a breathtaking courtroom drama

Toni Collette as Faith Killebrew in

(Image credit: Warner Bros. / Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo)

The plot summary above should be enough to convince you of “Juror #2.” Try telling me this isn’t the most intriguing idea for a legal thriller you’ve ever heard. Well, if you’re like me and think this is an absolutely fantastic premise for a movie, I’m happy to report that Juror No. 2” doesn’t waste such brilliant features, and if anything, it’s even better than it sounds.

“Juror No. 2” is one of the fastest-paced films I’ve ever seen. The film lasts just under two hours, is not heavy at all, every scene feels important and fresh twists and narrative wrinkles are generously sprinkled throughout. Just when you think the story can’t go anywhere else, something unexpected is revealed. These are real lyrics by Jonathan Abrams, and the running time flies by.

Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp in

(Image credit: Warner Bros. / Lightnin’ Production Rentals / Malpaso Productions / Album / Alamy)

Nicholas Hoult proves to be a good choice for the lead role. He plays Justin with an immense sense of guilt, which is really important to keep the audience on his side. He’s not a villain, just a man who has made several mistakes and is now forced into an almost impossible situation. The supporting cast is equally strong, Toni Collette is reliable (and reprises some of her characters from the excellent Netflix limited series Unbelievable), JK Simmons has fun playing another juror, and Kiefer Sutherland also pops up in a small role on.

The film also makes the wise decision not to judge Justin or the decisions he makes. The question “What is true justice?” echoes throughout the film, but by the end you won’t have a definitive answer. This lack of a solution to the film’s thematic question did not make me dissatisfied; in fact, after “Juror No from its streaming debut.

JK Simmons as Harold in

(Image credit: Warner Bros. / Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Photo)

“Juror No. 2” is not an ambitious film from a cinematic point of view. Its aesthetic is almost TV show-like and there’s little artistic flair, but when the core narrative is so gripping, the unspectacular (but undeniably solid) direction isn’t a problem. “Juror No. 2” is a masterfully entertaining film.

Reviews for “Juror #2” – this legal thriller is a hit

I’m not the only one who seriously praises “Juror #2.” Rotten tomatoesthe film has an impressive score of 93% from nearly 135 reviews. It’s not just a critical darling, either. The audience rating on RT’s Popcorn Meter (I hate this rebranding!) is also high at 92%.

Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post declared the film “morally complex, intelligent adult fare.” While Observer Rex Reed said: “Nicholas Hoult shines in a career-defining role, while Eastwood’s direction provides unrelenting tension and moral complexity in a film that could be a spectacular swansong.”

Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp in

(Image credit: Warner Bros. / Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Photo)

Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com felt the film was a fitting farewell for the veteran director: “If this is indeed (Clint Eastwood’s) swansong as a director, the 94-year-old legend ends his career behind the camera on a high note.” Christian Zilko of IndieWire was another fan. “The film not only rises to the occasion, it surpasses it,” Zilko said in a positive review.

While the majority of critics called “Juror No. 2” was an impressive courtroom thriller, Kyle Smith from the Wall Street Journal said: “Jonathan Abrams’ script is so amateurish that it feels like a first draft” and accused the film of having a “cynical tone”. I respect these claims, but I strongly disagree with them.

You must be “Juror No. 2” stream now

Nicholas Hoult as Justin Kemp in

(Image credit: Everett Collection Inc / Warner Bros. / Alamy Stock Photo)

If I haven’t made it clear in the last 1,000 words, I strongly recommend reading “Juror No.” 2” to stream. With its fast-paced plot, excellent performances and compelling moral themes, this is a legal thriller that entertains and leaves you thinking about some pretty big questions. And while I want to avoid spoilers, the ending…let’s just say it stuck with me.

It is particularly important to me that “Juror No. 2″ will be seen by more people as I feel its theatrical release (or should that be lack thereof) was a real misstep on Warner Bros.’s part and has resulted in this film’s failure to receive the wider recognition it deserves deserves it. Hopefully it will be a streaming hit, because it would be a shame if “Juror No. 2” will become one of the forgotten gems of 2024.

While “Juror No. 2″ is the best new entry in streaming this week (or at least the best in my humble opinion), there are plenty of other options if you’re not completely sold on this Clint Eastwood feature. Check out our roundup of the best new streaming movies this week for even more options on the best streaming services like Netflix, Max, and more.

Watch “Juror No. 2”. Amazon or Apple Now

A schedule of what will be streamed in December 2024

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One of the best thrillers you missed in theaters is now streaming – and it’s at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes

ByAmelia Journalton

By Amelia Journalton

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