I picked up this film on DVD titled as Bad Seed, because I was in the mood for a mystery and the fact that Luke Wilson and Dennis Farina starred in it.
At first, I found things to be a bit standard as far as "thrillers" go, almost on the level of a basic TV movie. But something really starts to draw the viewer in and by watching through to the end, there is really a nice payoff.
Don't try to compare this to Hitchcock, just sit back and let the story unfold. When Preston (Luke Wilson) hears his wife confess to having an affair, he storms out to a cafe and when he comes back home he finds her dead. By trying to confront her lover Jonathan (Norman Reedus), things get way out of control, even hiring a private detective (Dennis Farina) proves to make a messy situation even worse. It's easy to say these guys do a LOT of stupid, stupid things (like busting up a motel room) and one would think that in reality no one would make such bad decisions, but I took into consideration that people really act in the strangest ways when confronted with a situation that's extraordinary and no time to really think things through. Preston has his flaws, but he's really an okay guy, as is Jonathan. By appreciating the quiet desperation and increasing tension between them, along with the effective rainy locations in Tacoma and Seattle, the film is somber yet tense.
I actually love grey, rainy landscapes -- to me they're calming instead of gloomy. But considering the sadness in Preston's life and both he and Jonathan (as well as the detective) knowing that no matter what they do it's going to end rather messy, the wet greys of the sky and deep greens of the Northwest accent the film in a very melancholic way. The score is beautiful in many scenes, and rather grand for a film of this type made today (particularly one with such a low budget). Actually, the dramatic cues seemed a bit too grand in places, but it reminded me of how mysteries and thrillers back in the 1970s used to have full orchestral scores instead of everything being done on an electronic keyboard. Some very nice piano work, wish I had a soundtrack recording of it.
I know that some would just get fed up with these characters' behavior and think that the film just going to have a typical knock-down, drag-out fight to end it all, but I for one was pleasantly surprised to see the way the story took a turn and threw in a twist here and there. Even the ending seemed just right (even if it gives you a Shawshank Redemption deja vu moment). I felt a little sad yet satisfied by the turn of events, as is how I truly think the ending is supposed to affect you. After listening to the audio commentary on the DVD, you may also appreciate more what writer/director Jon Bokenkamp was trying to accomplish.
Not a perfect film, but by no means a misfire. I found Preston Tylk/Bad Seed to be a nice diversion from the common Hollywood "thriller" and would recommend it for those not wanting grandiose style and wanting a dramatic tale, something just right to watch with some snacks on a night at home, relaxing.
