I've seen Denzel Washington play a wide variety of roles, including a corrupt cop, a no-nonsense coach, a desperate father, a terrifying mobster and a fearless civil rights activist. These characters have vastly different backgrounds, but Washington brings them to life in a way that demands everyone's attention, from their powerful presence to their weighty one-liners. So, when I came across his underrated crime thriller, Roman J. Israel, Esq., I was pleasantly surprised to see how he brought these qualities to a socially awkward defense attorney.
For those who haven't seen the 2017 film, it follows Roman, an iron-willed lawyer who takes on civil rights cases with his partner at a small law firm in Los Angeles. But when his partner passes away, Roman is recruited to join a prestigious law firm, where he's tasked with defending an innocent young man who's accused of murder. However, the case takes an unexpected turn and causes him to have an existential crisis.
Now, I won't spoil the film, but I will say that it's thought-provoking and very different from most of Washington's other films. Unfortunately, it bombed at the box office, grossing just $13 million against a $22 million budget. And right now, it holds a measly 55 percent on the Tomatometer, with critics calling it "intriguing yet heavy-handed." But guys, I'm so glad I still gave this film a chance, because it's an underrated gem wrapped in the most unexpected packaging. Here's why I think critics are wrong about it.
