A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

Summary:

A Walk Among the Tombstones is a 2014 American neo-noir action thriller based on the 1992 novel by Lawrence Block. Set in New York City in 1999, the film follows Matthew Scudder (Liam Neeson), a former NYPD detective and recovering alcoholic who now works as an unlicensed private investigator. He is reluctantly drawn into a case by drug trafficker Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens), whose wife was brutally kidnapped, murdered, and dismembered, despite the ransom being paid. Scudder soon realizes the crime is part of a terrifying pattern: two depraved serial killers are systematically targeting and murdering the wives and daughters of wealthy drug kingpins. Blurring the lines of legality and morality, Scudder races against time to track down the perpetrators before they strike their next victim.

Plot:

The film begins with a flashback to 1991, showing Matt Scudder as an off-duty, drunken NYPD officer whose attempt to stop a bar shootout results in the accidental death of an innocent 7-year-old girl. This tragedy leads him to quit the force and become a recovering alcoholic, paying for his services as an unlicensed private investigator by accepting "gifts."

In 1999, Scudder is approached by Peter Kristo on behalf of his brother, Kenny Kristo, a wealthy heroin trafficker. Kenny's wife, Carrie, was recently kidnapped, and though he paid the massive ransom, she was murdered and her body was returned in small packages. Reluctant to work for a drug dealer, Scudder agrees to take the case after hearing the brutal details.

Scudder's investigation, aided by TJ (Brian "Astro" Bradley), a bright, homeless teenager he meets at the public library, reveals that Carrie's murder is not an isolated incident but the latest in a series of highly sadistic and professional kidnappings targeting people connected to the drug trade. The perpetrators are identified as two sociopathic killers, Ray (David Harbour) and Albert (Adam David Thompson), who appear to be using DEA files to select their victims.

The killers then kidnap their next target: Lucia Landau, the 14-year-old daughter of powerful drug kingpin Yuri Landau. Scudder takes charge of the ransom negotiations, using his deep understanding of the criminal underworld to set a trap. The final confrontation takes place in an abandoned building where Ray and Albert hold Lucia. A tense, brutal fight ensues, and Scudder manages to kill Ray, while Albert is captured. The film ends with Scudder securing Lucia's safe return and reflecting on the moral ambiguity of the justice he delivered, continuing his life of solitary penance.

Cast:

• Liam Neeson as Matthew "Matt" Scudder

• Dan Stevens as Kenny Kristo (Drug Trafficker)

• David Harbour as Ray (Antagonist / Killer)

• Adam David Thompson as Albert (Antagonist / Killer)

• Boyd Holbrook as Peter Kristo (Kenny's brother)

• Brian "Astro" Bradley as TJ (Scudder's young assistant)

• Sebastian Roché as Yuri Landau (Drug Kingpin)

Crew:

• Director: Scott Frank

• Writers/Screenplay: Scott Frank (Based on the novel by Lawrence Block)

• Producers: Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher, Tobin Armbrust, Brian Oliver

• Cinematography (DOP): Mihai Malaimare Jr.

• Editor: Jill Savitt

• Music Director (Score): Carlos Rafael Rivera

Release Info:

• Language: English

• Release Date: September 19, 2014

• Running Time: 1 hour 54 minutes (114 minutes)

• Genre: Neo-noir, Action, Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama

• Box Office Status: Modest commercial success (Grossed approx. $62 million worldwide against a $28 million budget)