Gone Baby Gone

The first thing which comes to your mind as soon the ending credits roll up is “We forgive you, Ben. We truly do.” Yes, we are ecstatic to announce that Ben Affleck has finally made up for all the half-arsed films he’s been involved in since Chasing Amy with this gem.

Gone Baby Gone is Ben Affleck’s directorial debut, a crime and mystery thriller set in the rough edges of South Boston. The film revolves mainly around the kidnapping of a four-year-old girl and one man’s selfless mission to retrieve her. It starts with the media buzz surrounding Amanda McCready’s mysterious disappearance and the police being unable to detect clues on the search. Amanda’s aunt and uncle then pleads local private investigators Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and his partner Angie Genaro (Michelle Monaghan) to take the case.

They agree, joining forces with detective Remy Bressant (Ed Harris) and police captain Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman). Amanda’s drug addict mother Helene’s (Amy Ryan) lack of co-operation with the police is perplexing. As the movie unfolds, Patrick and Angie discover excruciating details on their allies and realise that there’s more to the kidnapping than meets the eye.

The strong point of this movie lies in its proposed themes and daring plot. One will find this movie as gritty as a sucker punch and emotionally heart-wrenching at the same time. It indirectly questions the human mental strength and makes you wonder the extent to which one person willing to go in order to preserve her dignity and pride.

Casey Affleck’s raw portrayal deserves attention but the cake goes to Amy Ryan, who portrayed Amanda’s estranged mother on crack. Ben’s directing efforts are impressive for a debut and with this, we are no longer afraid to witness his next project.

Cast Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, Amy Ryan Director Ben Affleck Runtime 114 mins Opens 20 March

Text Surekha Ragavan