The atmosphere of the 1970s is brilliantly captured in every possible detail. Skarsgard is excellent, of course. An interestingly told story (based on real events), although, to be honest, we have seen many similar ones on screen. Perhaps what was missing was an exploration of the problem, some ‘final conclusions’, because it seems that the director wanted to convey something with this film – we only have a reconstruction of events, and the conclusions are left to us to draw as homework.
Wild true story of a man, Tony Kiritsis, who feels wronged and disrespected by his mortgage lender and goes to extremes to make it right. Bill Skarsgard is great as Tony, playing him slightly off kilter while still making real efforts to stay polite. He’s constantly apologizing when his anger slips out, asking forgiveness for his swearing, which gives him a likable quality that makes him easy to root for even though he’s rigged the lender’s son to the opposite end of a shotgun barrel tied to a dead man’s switch. Really compelling watch mostly thanks to Skarsgard’s performance. It often feels like a one-hander even though Skarsgard is rarely alone. The ending hits a bit abruptly, which throws the pacing off, but since I didn’t know the story, the final stretch and epilogue lands with a surprisingly satisfying end. Al Pacino is perfectly hateful as the cut throat mortgage lender on the other end of Tony’s dog day afternoon. Good flick and nice to have a Gus Van Sant movie again.
I liked the story and the concept, but it wasn't well put together and just dragged on. I felt for the guy, but not that much.
I don't know if it's "Bill Skarsgard's best performance"—Al Pacino certainly isn't "amazing" considering he only appears for five minutes. In any case, the (true) story is bizarre and interesting. Master Van Sant returns to the silver screen seven years after his last film, and he does so with a biting social commentary and dark humor. Beautiful photography, dry and minimalist direction with just the right amount of tension, it's a film I quite enjoyed, both for its style and sincere content. These days, it's a small, honest gem amidst a sea of propaganda and throwaway films.
Great atmosphere and, having not known the story, it was tense throughout. Ultimately, though, it went nowhere.
This film presents a unique case based on true events, and the 1970s atmosphere is captured perfectly. Bill Skarsgård delivers a compelling performance as Tony, bringing a lot of depth to the character. However, from an investigative standpoint, the ending was quite shocking. The judge’s verdict of 'not guilty' due to mental illness felt disconnected from the reality of his actions. Throughout the film, Tony’s behavior seemed too calculated for that defense to be convincing. It’s a well acted drama that highlights just how unpredictable the legal system can be.
A fascinating true story of a man's fight with big corporate. Slow in some spots, but interesting none the less. Great performances by eveyone. Definitely worth a watch.
The acting is phenomenal from everyone here.
I really enjoyed this movie, a solid and enjoyable journey.
Some true events don’t need to be turned into movies. This was definitely the case for this movie. It felt so long and dragged out. And it felt so unnecessary. The two stars I gave are for Colman Domingo and the music. Other than that, this was tough to watch. 🥱
Being an IndyCity, NapTown native, I was disappointed it was all filmed in Louisville, KY. KY lotto, River City bank... all KY spots. Other than that, it is pretty decent. Took some liberties, but stuck with the story for the most part.
An amazing film with outstanding performances, which should be nominated next year.
Ugh. I'm out of cigs. Also awesome soundtrack.
Turn that frown upside down - Tony
What a happy ending!!
Spectacular performances from Skarsgård, Montgomery, and Pacino. HOWEVER, Bill’s ongoing role as Pennywise has slightly tainted my perception of his performances. Maybe they should have spaced this and Welcome to Derry out just a little bit more lol
Watched at Warren Regal 21
Currently Ranked #29/198 in 2025 Ranked
Hmm, bit hammy on the acting front. And overall pretty pointless, maybe I would've enjoyed it more if I hadn't seen the superior documentary a few years ago, just go watch that instead.
Few points here, the movie itself is done in a way that it trying to convey a sense of cinema mixed in with biography. The story is interesting from the get go and doesn't deviate to much from the actual true life story minus some things here and there. Overall its a okay watch but towards the later half of the movie they added a different view and it felt rushed and anti-climactic.. There's a lot of repetition in the movie as well to the point where it drags on at points. As far as acting its decent nothing academy award winning but believable performances overall. You won't be missing much if you don't watch this but if you do you might enjoy a one time view and that's kind of where this story ends.
Reviews
Dead Man's Wire
makdelart reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
February 27, 2026The atmosphere of the 1970s is brilliantly captured in every possible detail. Skarsgard is excellent, of course. An interestingly told story (based on real events), although, to be honest, we have seen many similar ones on screen. Perhaps what was missing was an exploration of the problem, some ‘final conclusions’, because it seems that the director wanted to convey something with this film – we only have a reconstruction of events, and the conclusions are left to us to draw as homework.
Kevin Ward reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
January 10, 2026Wild true story of a man, Tony Kiritsis, who feels wronged and disrespected by his mortgage lender and goes to extremes to make it right. Bill Skarsgard is great as Tony, playing him slightly off kilter while still making real efforts to stay polite. He’s constantly apologizing when his anger slips out, asking forgiveness for his swearing, which gives him a likable quality that makes him easy to root for even though he’s rigged the lender’s son to the opposite end of a shotgun barrel tied to a dead man’s switch. Really compelling watch mostly thanks to Skarsgard’s performance. It often feels like a one-hander even though Skarsgard is rarely alone. The ending hits a bit abruptly, which throws the pacing off, but since I didn’t know the story, the final stretch and epilogue lands with a surprisingly satisfying end. Al Pacino is perfectly hateful as the cut throat mortgage lender on the other end of Tony’s dog day afternoon. Good flick and nice to have a Gus Van Sant movie again.
corradodalco reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
June 19, 2026I don't know if it's "Bill Skarsgard's best performance"—Al Pacino certainly isn't "amazing" considering he only appears for five minutes. In any case, the (true) story is bizarre and interesting. Master Van Sant returns to the silver screen seven years after his last film, and he does so with a biting social commentary and dark humor. Beautiful photography, dry and minimalist direction with just the right amount of tension, it's a film I quite enjoyed, both for its style and sincere content. These days, it's a small, honest gem amidst a sea of propaganda and throwaway films.
macaronz reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
May 14, 2026This film presents a unique case based on true events, and the 1970s atmosphere is captured perfectly. Bill Skarsgård delivers a compelling performance as Tony, bringing a lot of depth to the character. However, from an investigative standpoint, the ending was quite shocking. The judge’s verdict of 'not guilty' due to mental illness felt disconnected from the reality of his actions. Throughout the film, Tony’s behavior seemed too calculated for that defense to be convincing. It’s a well acted drama that highlights just how unpredictable the legal system can be.
SirMonkalot reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
March 11, 2026Some true events don’t need to be turned into movies. This was definitely the case for this movie. It felt so long and dragged out. And it felt so unnecessary. The two stars I gave are for Colman Domingo and the music. Other than that, this was tough to watch. 🥱
cultfilmliker reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
January 19, 2026What a happy ending!!
Spectacular performances from Skarsgård, Montgomery, and Pacino. HOWEVER, Bill’s ongoing role as Pennywise has slightly tainted my perception of his performances. Maybe they should have spaced this and Welcome to Derry out just a little bit more lol
Watched at Warren Regal 21
Currently Ranked #29/198 in 2025 Ranked
trrs reviewed
Dead Man's Wire
February 15, 2026Few points here, the movie itself is done in a way that it trying to convey a sense of cinema mixed in with biography. The story is interesting from the get go and doesn't deviate to much from the actual true life story minus some things here and there. Overall its a okay watch but towards the later half of the movie they added a different view and it felt rushed and anti-climactic.. There's a lot of repetition in the movie as well to the point where it drags on at points. As far as acting its decent nothing academy award winning but believable performances overall. You won't be missing much if you don't watch this but if you do you might enjoy a one time view and that's kind of where this story ends.
