Kill the Messenger

Based on true events, Kill the Messenger details the fallout for Jeremy Renner’s Gary Webb, a small-time reporter, as he uncovers a conspiracy linking the CIA to the United States’ growing drug problem. It’s compelling subject matter that’s employed to predominantly engaging (albeit somewhat forgettable) effect by Michael Cuesta, as the filmmaker, working from Peter Landesman’s screenplay, delivers a compelling drama that ultimately does fare best in its briskly-paced and periodically electrifying first half – with the better-than-expected atmosphere heightened by Renner’s intense, magnetic turn as the increasingly beleaguered central character. (The movie also boasts and benefits from solid supporting work from folks like Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, and Michael Sheen.) There’s little doubt, as well, that the narrative is rarely as predictable or by-the-numbers as one might’ve initially anticipated, and although the movie’s second half feels a little flabby (ie it’s needlessly repetitive in spots), Kill the Messenger builds towards a satisfying (and rather emotional) closing stretch that ensures it ends on a compelling note.

*** out of ****