115 minutes, Crime Thriller, MA15+

Have you ever watched a film starring Kate Winslet and wondered how she would sound speaking with a Russian accent? No? Me either. Well, the casting folk here certainly did so if you’re curious, this could be your one and only chance to see it for yourself! She plays Irina, who is married to a prominent figure within the Russian mafia (we never get the honour of visually meeting the friendly chap, as he’s based overseas) and is working alongside some nasty guys to ensure a particular deal her husband has orchestrated, goes according to plan. That plan involves the likes of several gangsters and corrupt cops working together in the slums of Atlanta, Georgia. Standing in their way are Sergeant Detective Jeffrey Allen (Woody Harrelson) and rookie cop Chris Allen (Casey Affleck).

A lot of emphasis has been placed on the raw sounding electronics score ordered by Australian director John Hillcoat (THE PROPOSITION, LAWLESS) for TRIPLE 9. That, together with some handheld cinematography and its graphically violent nature have lent Hillcoat’s film a constant foreboding feeling and a pretty grim atmosphere all throughout. Despite this aspect of the film being quite profound, it mistakenly overpowers TRIPLE 9’s narrative, and as a result is a very difficult film to absorb. The second half of TRIPLE 9 does become less murky and once some character and plot details are made more tangible, TRIPLE 9 finds itself functioning more efficiently as a tense and gritty crime thriller. There are some thrilling sequences during the final act, yet one cannot help but recommend SICARIO over TRIPLE 9, a similar yet far superior film. Oh and as for that Russian accent? Not Winslet’s finest hour!

3 out of 5

TRIPLE 9 – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents 
Strictly above the age of 15/16 only – contains graphic bloody violence, strong coarse language and some nudity.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Jesse from Roadshow Films, Roadshow Films and Village Cinema Jam Factory for the invitation to the Media Screening of TRIPLE 9.

Review by Moviedoc 
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