The Place Beyond the Pines

This excellent crime saga covers a significant amount of ground during its two-hour plus runtime which mostly whips by. Told in three distinct yet fully related acts, the stellar and stacked cast cover themes of adrenaline inducing criminal activities and associated family life-impacts reverberating outwards as a result. A sharp and somewhat philosophical script carries the viewer through multiple characters’ lives, and the impacts of personal actions, as if waves crashing outwards from a meteoric impact.

It's the 90s and in Schenectady, New York. “Heartthrob” Luke Glanton is up next, and it’s showtime. He flips his butterfly knife around and then plants it in the wall. Time to hie the ball of death and do some sick daredevil shit on a dirt bike. He is just too cool as he puts on his trademark leather jacket and smokes a cigarette. You know he means business because he has a neck tattoo. Now it’s time to watch three bikers defy gravity, riding upside-down and all around within inches of each other. Shockingly they at least wear helmets. Let the good times roll.

In reality this stunt is pretty bonkers and sets the tone for the saga of madness that is to come. A super hottie named Romina Gutierrez (Mendes) hits him up after his show and eventually this leads to some unexpected news. This triggers Luke’s life in an unexpected way, and changes his motivations. Blazing through the backwoods, a new connection is made with mechanic Robin Van Der Hook (Mendelsohn), who even has a trailer to stay in.

Luke is unhappy with aspects of his love-life and his financial situation. What kicks off next is a fever dream for the pair of men, as they set their sights on bank robberies. Luke uses his unique skillset, and Robin finds targets, as he has done it himself in the past. As long as you don’t do it too many times, things should be fine, or so he says. This sets in motion events that will unfold for years to come. Get ready for the biggest rush of your life, and some dope Metallica shirts.

While the third act does lose a bit of steam, the story is complex and covers an extended period of time, which helps propel through its longish runtime. The actors are all given a lot of character ground to cover, emotionally and evolutionary. The events feel natural, and events are rippling.

While there is plenty of action and tension throughout the film, the atmosphere is an artistic approach meant to evoke multiple questions from its viewer, however it does not necessarily look to answer any of the life enigmas presented.