A Wasted Potential in the Crime Thriller Genre: "Damaged" film review

Damaged, the latest film by Terry McDonagh, is a crime thriller that, despite boasting a strong cast, falls flat and disappoints both seasoned moviegoers and critics.

The film follows Detective Dan Lawson, played by Samuel L. Jackson, who is tracking a serial killer in Chicago. However, due to similarities with a series of murders in Edinburgh, Scotland, he is called there to assist Detective Boyd, played by Gianni Capaldi, in uncovering the truth.

A Promising Premise That Falls Apart

At first glance, Damaged—written by Gianni Capaldi—presents an intriguing premise. However, the screenplay fails to capitalize on its potential, leaving the narrative underdeveloped and underwhelming. While there are no major visual flaws, the film’s foundational storytelling elements are weak. Character arcs lack depth, and the audience struggles to form any real connection with them.

Shallow Character Development and Weak Motivations

One of the film’s biggest flaws lies in its characterization. The characters lack depth and complexity, making them feel one-dimensional. Take Detective Lawson, for example—he is introduced as a troubled, complex figure, but his internal conflicts are never truly explored. Instead of showing us his struggles through his actions, the film merely tells us about them through dialogue.

The only defining trait Lawson seems to have is his alcoholism, but rather than adding depth to his character, it confuses the audience about his true nature. As the story unfolds, we learn that he plays a crucial role in the plot, yet his actions feel illogical. His motivations remain unclear, raising important questions: Why is the killer himself hunting for the murderer? What drives him to commit multiple murders? What past events have shaped him into this person?

In crime psychology, a criminal’s past is often key to understanding their actions. But in Damaged, Lawson’s past remains vague and underdeveloped, leaving the audience with no concrete understanding of why he does what he does.

A Breakdown in Narrative Logic

Perhaps the most glaring issue in Damaged is its lack of narrative logic. As previously mentioned, Lawson, the detective searching for the killer, is in fact the killer himself. While this twist could have been executed in a way that highlights the psychological complexity of the character, the film fails to do so convincingly. The idea that someone so deeply engaged in solving the case is actually the culprit is presented in a way that feels forced rather than clever.

Slow Pacing and Weak Storytelling

Another major flaw in Damaged is its sluggish pacing. The film drags on without a clear sense of direction, making character relationships feel superficial and unconvincing. For example, the dynamics between Lawson and Boyd, or Boyd and his wife, are shallowly portrayed, preventing the audience from fully understanding the emotional weight of their interactions.

A Few Positive Points

Now that we've fired some deadly bullets at Damaged, it's time to mention a few positives. First, the film’s atmosphere is incredibly tangible. It's a real advantage that we can walk alongside the detectives through the streets of Edinburgh, and the combination of the city's setting with the noir ambiance creates a sense of closeness for the viewer.

Casting Samuel L. Jackson was, in my opinion, a smart choice. And, of course, the impact of Vincent Cassel’s presence shouldn’t be overlooked. Cassel has this unique ability to inject fresh energy into any film he’s in.

When it comes to cinematography and framing, I have to be honest—the film earns a decent score. The visuals feel alive, they pulse with energy. Even in still shots, when the rain pours down, you can almost feel the raindrops through the display, even if you've never set foot in Edinburgh. The cold, dark color palette reinforces the noir aesthetic, making it more pronounced and, in a way, giving the film a stronger presence.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Damaged had the potential to be a compelling thriller, but its weak character development, narrative inconsistencies, and lack of clear motivations prevent it from making an impact. The film’s slow pacing and underwhelming execution fail to engage viewers, leaving them detached from the story.

Despite featuring talented actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Vincent Cassel, even their performances couldn’t save the film from its weak script and poor execution.

If Damaged had focused more on building its characters and crafting a layered, original story—rather than attempting to mimic Se7en or True Detective—it could have been a much stronger, more memorable film. Instead, it remains a forgettable thriller, earning a disappointing 4 out of 10.

Shayan Iroomloo Tabrizi