
Edge of Darkness
2010, Crime/Mystery and thriller, 1h 57m
217 Reviews 250,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
For better and for worse, Edge of Darkness offers vintage Mel Gibson, working within the familiar framework of a bloody revenge thriller. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Thomas Craven
Darius Jedburgh
Jack Bennett
Emma Craven
Burnham
Millroy
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Critic Reviews for Edge of Darkness
All Critics (217) | Top Critics (61) | Fresh (120) | Rotten (97)
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The acting, with the exception of Bojana Novakovic, adds nothing to the trite plot.
January 13, 2018 | Full Review… -
In a film of unimpressionable characters, and vacant plots, Edge of Darkness is forgettable, dry and at times boring.
September 11, 2017 | Rating: D | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
March 16, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Gibson, of course, snaps and snarls and blows out some brains with a joylessness that is thoroughly enjoyable. It's like he never left.
July 6, 2010 | Full Review… -
Glossy exploitation cinema without guts.
June 23, 2010 | Rating: C | Full Review… -
Though Ray Winstone does his best to elevate this story, in the end Edge of Darkness is a fairly basic Mel beats up the bad guys flick
February 14, 2010 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Edge of Darkness
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Aug 15, 2017Edge of Darkness is a conspiracy thriller that just feels...odd. I can't really describe the feeling when I watch this film, I neither love it or hate it...I just feel really mixed. Like it just exists. Coming hot off of Casino Royale, Martin Campbell revisits the BBC series and turns it into a feature film that incorporates shadowy organisations, conspiracies and vengeance. A good conspiracy leaves you on the edge of your seat, this does not...but it's actually rather mature and intelligent. Sure, remove the improbable ending and slow beginning, and what we are left with is a very mysterious plot that I'm certain probably does happen in reality with big governmental organisations (less extreme of course, I'm looking at you Apple!). Whilst our lead character is playing the detective role and following the bread crumbs so to speak, he is also a father mourning the tragic death of his daughter which definitely brings in some much needed emotion and motive. Crazy Mel Gibson, who hadn't had a lead role since Signs, plays the Boston detective who...can hear the voice of his deceased daughter and engage in conversations with her...maybe he is crazy after all. To be fair, he was pretty decent and was able to hold my attention. Ray Winstone was strange casting and didn't really work for me, who plays a shady agent with his own motives. Danny Huston though, always a good choice although slightly underused. Martin Campbell's directing style felt like it was made for TV, nothing snazzy or spectacular...just functional. Perhaps a well intentioned choice to keep it in the roots of the TV series. Two scenes though, absolutely magnificent or what I like to call "Oh My God" moments. One involves the detective's daughter and the other a collision with a car. Literally happened out of nowhere and caught me off guard, excellent editing! But still...I feel "meh" even thinking about the film. It's finely crafted, and utterly watchable if you had nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon. I just don't think I'll ever fully appreciate it. Worth a watch.Luke A Super Reviewer
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Feb 08, 2016Good but not great. Edge of Darkness is pretty cliche and boring at times. But Mel Gibson's performance, well written dialogue and story is enough to be keep you engrossed.Mr N Super Reviewer
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Nov 30, 2012The film at its core has a very strong story that would hold your interest for the duration. The problem is the slow pacing and uninteresting supporting characters. Mel Gibson breathes life into a role that could easily been rather on note. It's he's depth that keeps this movie from failing completely. Ray winstone is wasted as a tough guy who slowly grows on Gibsons character. The problem with this film is the underwritten support characters, its only Gibson who gains anything resembling a character. The writing is good for the complexity but not the characters. The revenge plot line works for the best part but like the punisher the hero moves along at a snails pace. The characters can't provide any emotion which generally fails to generate anything for the audience. Characters come and go without any connection. If you like a complex story then this will keep you interested for the most part but won't keep you coming back for more. The film lacks strength and repeat viewings. Mel Gibson is good but far from brilliant.Brendan N Super Reviewer
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Oct 27, 2012I've seen this film before, when it was titled something else just as unmemorable. Gibson played the same character in that movie too. Why waste the time on this one?Christian C Super Reviewer
Edge of Darkness Quotes
Craven: | Welcome to hell. |
Craven: | Everything's illegal in Massachusetts. |
Craven: | Well you had better decide whether you're hanging on the cross or banging in the nails. |
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