Advanced Preview time. A film ive actively avoided. I saw one trailer & was like i dont want to know about this at all, i want to go in as blind as possible. Also this is supposedly the last Clint directed film, so lets honour the legend one last time.

Clearly word has got around. This was the busiest advanced preview id seen all year, except for when its been secret cinema. Clearly everyone knows this is going to be intense. A right mix of ages too. From early 20s to a couple in their 80s. Very happy with the turn out. Id say 80% full.

Trailers, Conclave(booked as a preview) Anora (will try) We Live in Time (oooh please say this will be a preview) & the new Nicole Kidman one where she is a sub that looks hot, very very hot. Hopefully we will get that. I think we also had a short version of the night bitch trailer too.

& then the films started… This maybe a very minimal review because i think you all need to go in as blind as possible for this because it helped.

Unpopular opinion time… Nicholas Hoult can act, except when he trys to cry or look sad. It always looks so forced, & there is a lot of sad or heart breaking or worrying bits in this film for him. IT got distracting. The rest of it he was good but when he does that its not for me. Im sorry.

I am glad i went in blind. I think the reveal should have been later on in the film for sure. As i avoided trailers & news i dont know if it was revealed in that. But it was such a brilliant concept. & it was helped with such a good supporting cast for sure. It added to the levels of what you expected. All the names in it got to do something. I mean i had no idea Kiefer was going to show up (ops sorry) but he did in one of his 4 scenes say “WITH ALL DUE RESPECT” Its not Kiefer if he doesnt say that.

It was really good for you to look at yourself & your morals if you were ever in that situation. It really did make you think & wonder what was going to happen next to effect something else.

I lvoe me a courtroom drama, but we were done giving evidence about an hour in. I wanted more. I wanted to make up my own mind. I mean yes the film is made in a certain way to make you feel one more thing, but i wanted more evidence. It felt like they just wanted to get to the jury room. Which was still cool. Bibb running the show was fun. But why did no one else in the Jury work it out. I know we know whats possibly going on, but the ticks & red flags, it was obvious.

The flash backs were very well used. Never felt forced or fake or over the top. It was to put you in that place & doubt your own opinions.

When the film went to black after the last shot of the film &then said directed by Clint Eastwood someone in my cinema shouted NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There was also a collective sigh that we all remembered how to breathe as well. Didnt realise how invested we had been until it was over.

& im not going to say anymore. This is one to go in as blind as possible & fully immerse yourself in & go along for the ride & the drama & suspense.

If this is it Clint, its been an honour sir.