Based on a true story, Midnight in the Switchgrass follows two Texan FBI agents, Karl (Bruce Willis) and his current partner Rebecca (Megan Fox). The two agents are currently investigating a case relating to sex trafficking, and they are hoping to close the case soon. But while trying to wrap everything up, they soon discover something bigger is at play. Working undercover, Rebecca discovers that a serial killer is lurking around, murdering young girls.
The serial killer’s victims attract the attention of a local Texas Ranger named Bryon (Emile Hirsch), who begins to struggle with his work and even question his faith in the Lord. Having witnessed so many horrific crimes, Bryon is unsure if he can keep going as a Ranger. But the quantity of dead girls gives Bryon a desire to persist and see justice. During his investigation, Bryon’s path crosses with agents Karl and Rebecca. Can this small team work together to take down the serial killer once and for all?
The story of a truck driving serial killer is easily the best part of this film. I wasn’t familiar with the true story or the outcome. While the story itself is fascinating and interesting, how the film decides to tell its story is not.
Firstly, the film is packed with bland, monotone and uninteresting performances. While I generally had hopes for the performances of Megan Fox, Bruce Willis and Emile Hirsch, their performances are boring and make the general plot seem like a long drag. I was disappointed with the results here. Given this is based on a true story, it felt that the film should have done a far greater job for the sake of those represented.
Despite being briefly on screen, actor Bruce Willis is a more enjoyable aspect (that alone is fairly sad), followed by actor Emile Hirsch and then Megan Fox. Megan Fox is generally trying here, but she sounds robotic for the majority of the runtime and feels entirely out of place. Not only this, but the actress also has the worst dialogue.
The film itself generally looks dark or, at times, bland. The filming style also has many moments where the camera is highly shaky, making it unbearable to watch to the point I had to look away before I felt sick. Music choices did not suit the film or match the moments on-screen.
Overall, it breaks my heart to say it, but despite being a thriller, there are no thills or moments that had me on the edge of my seat. In the end, it’s just a story that fails to be engaging or memorable. With such a talented cast line-up, I’m baffled to say it, but the film is packed with dull, monotone performances from Megan Fox and Bruce Willis, which, in return, makes this true story highly uninteresting and bland. Having the main camera constantly shaky is also an odd choice that I feel will be enough for many to give up on this film.
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