Shea Whigham shines in a rare lead role in The Gateway, a crime thriller rich in setting and character, yet suffering from third act blues that dilutes its overall impact.

The Gateway does a great job evoking the spirit of 1970s American antihero movies. Directed by Michele Civetta (Agony), the films’ screenplay originally written by Alex Felix Bendana (Kismet) was on the 2013 Black List for unproduced screenplays, and it is easy to see why with engrossing dialogue and engaging characters that a star studded cast do great work with. Above all it has a protagonist who is easy to root for even in his lowest moments, an antihero that in the hands of prolific American character actor Shea Whigman is given much heart and complicated soul.

Whigham plays the role of Parker, a social worker dedicated to helping kids in broken domestic situations, a job that is as rewarding as it is taxing. Parker is also an alcoholic and drug fiend, who isn’t above breaking the law to stay one step ahead of the game in the mean streets of St. Louis. This is particularly evident when he steps out of his jurisdiction to protect hard working single mother Dahlia (Olivia Munn) and her daughter Ashley (Taegen Burns) from Dahlia’s recently released drug dealer husband Mike (Zach Avery.)

Whigham, in a rare leading role, delivers one of his best turns as a man with a good heart mired by one self-destructive act after another. His character, a former boxing prodigy turned saint of the streets, is a fighter through and through, a righteous renegade reminiscent of those seen in 1970s classic such as Serpico and Taxi Driver. Whigham makes the role sing with a humanity that is complex and touching.

Supporting turns from Olivia Munn, the ever-prolific Frank Grillo as a stylish and equally dangerous crime boss, and the legendary Bruce Dern, also hit their mark. Dern especially shares great moments with Whigham in their roles as estranged father and son.

Director and co-writer Michele Civetta brings a strong sense of style to the proceedings. This includes a thrilling action sequence that thrusts the viewer into a heist that is as shocking in its violence as it is impressive in its craft.

It is unfortunate then that the films third act feels rushed and compromised, not hitting the emotional beats for a story that should have had a bigger impact then that delivered. Regardless, the strengths of The Gateway upholds its promise as an exceptionally performed action drama.