Juror #2 is the kind of film that doesn’t waste time: it’s immediately compelling as it throws questions about morality, guilt, and conscience straight to your face. There are familiar people in this stacked cast, including Chris Messina and J.K. Simmons, but it’s Nicholas Hoult as the titular second juror and Toni Collete as the ambitious prosecutor who stand out. The weight of the film’s heavy questions lies on their shoulders, and they convey every feeling—from doubt and remorse to exaltation and hope—with painful clarity. I only the film hadn’t taken the easy way out, and that the debate among the jury could have been thornier and trickier, but as it is, Juror #2 is a compelling addition to our book of excellent courtroom dramas.
"It’s a brisk and engaging courtroom-centered thriller to which Eastwood, at the age of ninety-four, applies, with the lightest of touches, his full panoply of dramatic vigor."
— Richard Brody
"It sits at a perfect mid-point between a spry satire of America’s creaking legal system and an “old man yells at cloud” laundry list of civic grievances which plays like a right wing tabloid op-ed written in light."
— David Jenkins
While serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, family man Justin Kemp finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma…one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict—or free—the accused killer.
Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) is called for jury duty, but the more he learns about the case, the more involved he realizes he is.
The divisive ending. If you want to start a fight for whatever reason, ask your friends who've seen this film what they thought about the ending.
It’s not as meaty or nuanced as it could’ve been, but it’s still a deeply engaging watch thanks to its smart premise and terrific performances.
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
A boring, dull film. do not watch it. I’d recommend rewatching 12 angry men than watching this. it is so uninteresting