Friedkin’s last feature narrative movie (so far), Killer Joe served as a reminder to generations new – and old – that when it comes to dark, violent, confrontational cinema, no one delivers quite like William Friedkin can.
Based on the Tracey Letts play of the same name (much like Bug before it), Killer Joe tells the story of a dangerously in debt drug dealer Dave (Emile Hirsh), who hires a police detective and hit man Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) to kill his mother so Dave can claim the insurance. As collateral, Dave offers his sister Dottie (Juno Temple.)
Biting in its black comedy and intense in its violence, Killer Joe saw Friedkin take no prisoners with scenes that impressively push the boundaries of good taste in a Southern gothic crime thriller of unique taste and excellent execution.
Performances from all involved are excellent, especially by McConaughey who delivers one of his best turns while in mid-McConaissance, proving Friedkin is a master of drawing out dark and powerful turns from his actors.
