Walden (Emile Hirsch) works full-time as a stenographer, recording every spoken word in a courtroom. Holding a remarkable record of typing 343 words per minute, Walden takes his job seriously and proudly. Given the nature of his work, he has been exposed to many horrifying stories and tragic crimes, including a recent incident where a drug-intoxicated father murdered his three-year-old daughter. Out of court and away from his job, Walden leads a peaceful and quiet life alone. In the evenings, he takes a moment to pray and express gratitude, but at the same time, he wrestles with questions about free will and the capacity of people to commit such heinous acts.
One day, Walden experiences an unusual headache and unexpected vomiting. As more symptoms manifest, including fainting and having visions, Walden undergoes a series of tests and appointments, only to discover that he has a terminal illness: a brain tumour. While attempting to come to terms with his new health condition and continuing to work as a stenographer, Walden becomes frustrated and resentful of the situation life has dealt him. As criminals continue to be acquitted in the courtroom, Walden takes justice into his own hands, resulting in a trail of bloodshed. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the loose, and young children continue to go missing and are found dead.
Investigating Walden’s victims are Detective Bill Kane (played by Shane West) and Detective Sall Hunt (played by Tania Raymonde). As they lead the investigation, they frequently intersect with Walden due to his profession. Walden becomes further involved in the investigation when Detective Kane suspects someone whom Walden believes to be innocent.
Walden can be best described as a thriller. It’s worth mentioning that the film was directed and written by Mick Davis, who previously worked on Modigliani and My Dad’s Christmas Date. Davis is known for creating a mix of quirky comedy and Christmas films. In Walden, the character Walden is mainly portrayed as quirky due to his skills and newfound passion for enacting vengeful murders. The film also introduces a fun mystery surrounding the lead character.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Emile Hirsch’s portrayal of Walden. Walden is a likeable character for many reasons. He exudes continual positivity and passion as a stenographer, even aiming to break a world record for words per minute. Walden keeps his past and the tragic cases he has worked on locked away, carrying a heavy burden within himself. He is also kind to others, making it more surprising and engaging when he becomes a killer, especially given the graphic nature of the kills. Sadly, Shane West’s portrayal of Detective Bill Kane fell short. The actor seemed lost and uncomfortable with his moments and dialogue. On the other hand, Tania Raymonde’s depiction of Detective Hunt felt more fitting and natural.
The story initially surprised me. I expected the film to focus solely on Walden’s transformation into a serial killer and his attempts to hide his secret from detectives and law enforcement. However, the introduction of a subplot about another killer in town caught me off guard. This unexpected twist re-engaged me with the film, especially when Walden himself began to investigate the child murders and seek justice. Unfortunately, I found the reveal of the killer’s identity predictable. Visually, the film was decent, with notable costume work and on-screen violence.
Overall, Walden presents a unique concept in the realm of serial killers. Emile Hirsch’s portrayal of Walden was impressive, as he effectively brought the character to life on screen. The transformation of his character was captivating to watch unfold. However, some of the supporting cast, particularly Shane West as a detective, felt out of place and miscast. Despite a somewhat unexpected introduction and mysterious subplot, these elements enhanced the story. While the movie’s visuals were decent, other aspects, such as Walden‘s fast-paced dialogue, costume designs, and gruesome kills, drew more praise. Although the film may not be a thrilling game-changer, it still offers fresh and thrilling elements worth experiencing.
6.0/10
5th August 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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