“21 Bridges” (2019) is a crime thriller film directed by Brian Kirk and produced by Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on the Avengers films. The movie stars Chadwick Boseman, in his first major role following his iconic performance as T’Challa in Black Panther (2018). The film also features Sienna Miller, Stephan James, J.K. Simmons, and Taylor Kitsch in supporting roles. 21 Bridges was released by STXfilms and explores themes of justice, loyalty, and corruption within the police force.
Plot Summary
21 Bridges centers around Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman), a tough and principled NYPD detective who is called to investigate the aftermath of a deadly shooting. Two criminals, Michael (Stephan James) and Ray (Taylor Kitsch), rob a drug dealer, which leads to the deaths of several police officers. As Davis is assigned to the case, he quickly learns that the situation is much more complex than it first appeared.
In order to prevent the criminals from escaping, the city’s authorities close down all the bridges that connect Manhattan to the outside world — hence the title 21 Bridges. The film’s title refers to the 21 bridges connecting Manhattan to the rest of New York City, which are sealed off in an effort to trap the killers within the city.
Davis’s investigation takes a personal turn as he uncovers a conspiracy involving his own department. As the film progresses, he must navigate through lies, betrayal, and his own complicated relationship with the police force. Davis is determined to find out who is responsible for the officers’ deaths and to bring them to justice, but as the night wears on, he begins to question everything he thought he knew about the case and the people involved.
Themes
21 Bridges delves into themes of justice, loyalty, and corruption within law enforcement. At its core, the film is about a detective trying to uphold the law while dealing with the moral complexities of a corrupt system. It explores how the pursuit of justice can be clouded by personal biases, and how even those who are sworn to protect the law can sometimes become tangled in criminal activities.
The idea of betrayal is also central to the film. As Detective Davis uncovers more details about the case, he realizes that he cannot fully trust those around him, including colleagues in the police force. His personal struggle with this betrayal provides the emotional depth to the thriller, as he works to do what is right despite the dangers and opposition he faces.
Another important theme in 21 Bridges is personal redemption. Davis’s character is haunted by the death of his father, a fellow police officer, and he is determined to make sure that justice is served, no matter the personal cost. His journey in the film is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his own sense of morality and the consequences of his actions.
Cast and Characters
- Chadwick Boseman as Detective Andre Davis: The film’s lead protagonist, Davis is a dedicated and intelligent cop with a personal vendetta against criminals, particularly those who harm police officers. Boseman’s portrayal is intense, showcasing his character’s inner conflict and determination to uncover the truth.
- Sienna Miller as Detective Frankie Burns: Davis’s partner in the investigation. Burns is a tough and determined detective who joins forces with Davis to track down the killers. She becomes a key ally in the investigation and in uncovering the conspiracy within the police force.
- Stephan James as Michael Trujillo: One of the two criminals on the run after the shooting. He is a complex character who finds himself caught in a situation far worse than he anticipated.
- Taylor Kitsch as Ray Jackson: Michael’s partner in the crime, Ray is the other fugitive being pursued by Davis. Kitsch plays a tense role as a man willing to go to extreme lengths to escape the law.
- J.K. Simmons as Captain McKenna: A high-ranking officer in the NYPD who plays a crucial role in the investigation. As the plot unfolds, his character is revealed to have deeper ties to the case than initially thought.
- Keith David as Police Commissioner: The head of the police department who oversees the search for the criminals and the lockdown of Manhattan.
- Gary Carr as Leon: A character who plays a pivotal role in the development of the plot.
Style and Tone
21 Bridges is primarily a crime thriller with elements of action and drama. The film’s tone is gritty and tense, reflecting the moral and physical danger that Detective Davis faces as he tries to solve the case. The setting of New York City at night adds to the film’s atmosphere, with its dark alleys and neon-lit streets, providing a visually striking backdrop for the intense cat-and-mouse chase between the police and the criminals.
The film’s pacing is fast and keeps the audience on edge, with a series of suspenseful moments and dramatic confrontations. The action sequences, which include shootouts and chases, are balanced with quieter moments that explore the emotional depth of the characters. The dialogue is sharp, with moments of tension, mistrust, and betrayal driving the narrative forward.
While the film is primarily a thriller, it also incorporates emotional beats, particularly with the character of Andre Davis, who is dealing with personal loss and moral dilemmas. The combination of action and drama adds complexity to the film and gives it a depth beyond just a typical crime thriller.
Reception
21 Bridges received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performance of Chadwick Boseman, the direction of Brian Kirk, and the suspenseful atmosphere. Critics appreciated the film’s straightforward storytelling and its ability to maintain tension throughout, although some felt that the plot could have been more original. The film was particularly lauded for its character-driven narrative, as the investigation unfolds not just through action but also through the emotional and moral dilemmas of its central character.
The performances of the supporting cast, including Sienna Miller and J.K. Simmons, were also highlighted, with their characters adding layers to the film’s intrigue. Some critics noted that while the film’s action was engaging, it didn’t offer many surprises in terms of plot twists. Nonetheless, the movie successfully keeps viewers engaged with its fast-paced narrative and compelling lead performance by Boseman.
Box Office: 21 Bridges performed reasonably well at the box office, grossing over $49 million worldwide against a production budget of $33 million. While it wasn’t a massive blockbuster, the film found an audience looking for a well-crafted, suspenseful crime thriller.
Legacy and Impact
21 Bridges is often remembered as one of Chadwick Boseman’s final projects before his passing in 2020. His portrayal of Detective Davis was praised as both intense and emotionally nuanced, showcasing his range as an actor. The film’s success highlighted Boseman’s ability to captivate audiences outside of his iconic superhero role in Black Panther, proving his versatility as an actor.
The film also contributed to the ongoing trend of crime thrillers set in New York City, focusing on the darker aspects of law enforcement and the pursuit of justice. It reinforces the idea of police dramas exploring not only crime but the internal struggles of those who enforce the law.
Conclusion
21 Bridges (2019) is a gritty and suspenseful crime thriller that combines action with emotional depth. With strong performances, particularly from Chadwick Boseman, and a tense, well-paced narrative, the film offers an engaging exploration of justice, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. While the film doesn’t reinvent the genre, its strong character-driven story and compelling performances make it a standout example of modern crime thrillers.
