SLEEPING DOGS
DIRECTOR: Adam Cooper
CAST: Russell Crowe, Karen Gillan, Márton Csókás, Thomas M. Wright, Harry Greenwood, Tommy Flanagan
RUN TIME: 110 Minutes
RATING: MA
GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Action
RELEASE DATE: August 1st
Review by Caroline Russo
“Sleeping Dogs” is a gripping crime thriller starring Russell Crowe as Roy Freeman, an ex-homicide detective with a fractured memory, forced to revisit a case he can’t remember. When he visits convict Isaac Samuel (Pacharo Mzembe), who is on death row, Samuel pleads his innocence to a crime committed ten years ago.
With his loss of memory, Freeman must piece together the brutal evidence, launching an investigation that uncovers a sinister web of buried secrets and betrayals linked to his past.
Director Adam Cooper, in his directorial debut, draws from his nearly twenty-five-year career as a screenwriter. Cooper has written more than forty movies and television shows for various studios, streamers, and platforms, including “Exodus: Gods & Kings,” directed by Ridley Scott; “Allegiant,” directed by Robert Schwentke; “Assassin’s Creed,” directed by Justin Kurzel; and “Transporter: Refueled” for Luc Besson.
“Sleeping Dogs” is adapted from the novel “The Book of Mirrors.” Cooper was drawn to the narrative, particularly the character of Roy Freeman, a reclusive detective with Alzheimer’s. “I was really drawn to this idea that memory is very much just a point of view,” Cooper says. “And there’s lots of different truths on events that transpired in anybody’s past, and everybody remembers those things differently. I was drawn to this character and the idea of taking this journey of a man in existential crisis and unpacking that for viewers.”
Cooper captures suspense brilliantly, crafting defining moments on the screen. Crowe’s performance reminds us of his talent, commanding attention in every frame. The film is a puzzle filled with real twists that keep you on your toes, and the ending leaves you thinking.
Crowe reunites with co-star Tommy Flanagan, who plays his partner cop, Jimmin Remus. They previously worked together in “Gladiator.” Crowe reflects, “Working with Tom was fantastic. It’s just joyful.” Flanagan shares his excitement, “Russell called me up with the script. I said I loved it. ‘Okay. See you in Melbourne.’ It’s been 20-something years, and it’s a joy. Russell is incredible. The professionalism of the crews is a treat.” They both loved having to be in Melbourne for the shoot.
Karen Gillan, as Laura Baines / Elizabeth Westlake, also delivers notable moments on screen.
Director Adam Cooper hopes audiences walk away surprised. “My hope is that, after an audience sees this film, they walk out and say, ‘Holy fuck, I didn’t see that coming!’”
“Sleeping Dogs” is a must-see film.
