The Trust (Hassell Free Production – 2016) Review

“Bad cops make the best criminals.”

Starring Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood, The Trust unfortunately falls into the same generic and somewhat poor quality of many action and thriller straight to DVD films.

The Trust follows cops Stone and Waters as they go from doing everyday police work to investigating drug houses and secret bank vaults. This ‘transition’, as we can call it, happened rather abruptly and I found myself wondering why the two characters would suddenly do the things they were doing and risking.

A part from a few montage moments at the beginning of the film that included the likes of one night stands, the narrative development felt random and lacking. Plot holes were prominent a part from the main A to B to C story line. They didn’t really provide enough backstory or attention to its characters which would have allowed more of an emotional connection for the audience.

Saying this, The Trust does have potential and perhaps with a stronger script would be better well received. Nicolas Cage and Elijah Wood are two rather credible actors so it’s a shame their acting abilities aren’t portrayed in a positive light.

One thing independent and smaller budget films do well is mise en scene and cinematography. Set in Las Vegas, The Trust established the grittier life in the lower economic areas of Las Vegas which, in turn, made for an interesting aesthetic for the film as a whole. At various moments creative cinematography was also used. I will always appreciate when thought goes into a shot. It’s very difficult to not fall into the generic, close up/mid shot rule book which can then be hard to break or come up with something new.

In spite of the starring duo Nicolas Cage and Elijah would, even they can’t help make The Trust stand out on the DVD shelf or in the cluster of the thriller/action genre.