The Guilty

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 24, 2021 (Limited Release)
October 1, 2021 (Netflix)

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jake Gyllenhaal as Joe Baylor
• Christina Vidal as Sgt. Denise Wade
• Adrian Martinez as Manny
• Eli Goree as Rick
• Riley Keough as Emily Lighton (voice)
• Peter Sarsgaard as Henry Fisher (voice)
• Ethan Hawke as Sgt. Bill Miller (voice)

Director
Antoine Fuqua

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Training Day (2001)
• The Equalizer (2014)
• Southpaw (2015)
• Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
• The Magnificent Seven (2016)

Producer

• Antoine Fuqua
• Jake Gyllenhaal
• Riva Marker
• Scott Greenberg
• Michel Litvak
• Gary Michael Walters

Writer

• Nic Pizzolatto (screenplay)
  Based on the original Danish film Den skyldige by Gustav Möller and Emil Nygaard Albertsen

Budget
$30 million

Production Company

• Nine Stories Productions
• Fuqua Films
• Bold Films
• Amet Entertainment

Running Time
90 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Intense situations
• Thematic elements involving domestic violence

Movie Story
The Guilty is a tense, psychological thriller that takes place over the course of a single night at a 911 dispatch center. The film follows Joe Baylor (Jake Gyllenhaal), a demoted police officer working as a 911 operator, as he answers an emergency call from a distressed woman named Emily Lighton (voiced by Riley Keough). Emily appears to be in grave danger, claiming she has been abducted. As Joe tries to piece together the situation and locate Emily, the pressure mounts, and he becomes increasingly involved in the unfolding drama.

The film is set almost entirely within the confines of the dispatch center, with the story unfolding through phone conversations. As Joe delves deeper into the call, his own past and personal demons come to the forefront, revealing that he is battling his own guilt and seeking redemption. The tension builds as Joe’s attempts to help Emily become more desperate, and he starts making risky decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong.

Throughout the film, Joe is forced to confront his own failings and the moral complexities of his situation, as the truth about Emily’s plight and Joe’s own circumstances are slowly revealed. The film explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions, all while maintaining a claustrophobic and suspenseful atmosphere.

Special Effects
The Guilty relies more on its intense performances and tightly scripted dialogue than on visual effects. The film’s minimalist approach focuses on creating tension and building suspense through sound design and the power of suggestion. The use of close-ups and minimalistic visuals effectively conveys Joe’s increasing anxiety and the high-stakes nature of the situation.

Box Office Performance
The Guilty was released on Netflix after a limited theatrical run, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films. The film received positive reviews for its tense atmosphere and Jake Gyllenhaal’s powerful performance, although its release strategy focused more on streaming than traditional box office returns.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Broken people save broken people.” – Joe Baylor
• “It’s not your fault, what happened. It’s not your fault.” – Joe Baylor
• “You can’t save them all.” – Sgt. Bill Miller

Behind-the-Scenes
The Guilty was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the production taking place over just 11 days. Director Antoine Fuqua had to direct the film remotely due to pandemic-related restrictions, adding an extra layer of challenge to the production. The film is a remake of the 2018 Danish film Den skyldige and was adapted by Nic Pizzolatto, known for his work on True Detective. Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance, which carries the entire film, was widely praised, as was the film’s ability to maintain tension and engagement through its minimalist setting.

Awards

• Nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Jake Gyllenhaal)

Final Verdict
The Guilty is a gripping and intense thriller that showcases Jake Gyllenhaal’s ability to command the screen in a performance-driven narrative. The film’s minimalist approach and single-location setting heighten the tension, making it a compelling watch that delves deep into the psychological complexities of its protagonist. With its tight pacing and thought-provoking themes, The Guilty is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful, character-driven dramas.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10