The Lesser Evil

Critics Consensus

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The Lesser Evil Photos

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Movie Info

In this drama, Missouri lumberman Derek reunites his high school pals -- lawyer George, priest Ivan, and police officer Frank -- who were all involved in past violent deaths and cover-ups. The film double-tracks their stories as it intercuts between past and present.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Drama, Mystery & Suspense
Directed By:

David Mackay
In Theaters:

Aug 28, 1998 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Sep 28, 1999
Runtime:

96 minutes
Studio:

Tomorrow Film Corporation

Cast

Tony Goldwyn
as Frank

Arliss Howard
as Ivan

David Paymer
as George

Colm Feore
as Derek

Adam Scott

Critic Reviews for The Lesser Evil

All Critics (5) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (2)

The overwrought performances of the adult actors and the overall staginess of their section keeps this thriller from truly thrilling.

Jan 3, 2009 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com

View All Critic Reviews (5)

Audience Reviews for The Lesser Evil

May 01, 2009

Apparently not a well-known movie. I happened upon this little gem on IFC the other day. It's a played out story of friends reuniting years later after a tragedy in their early days, except this was really well-done and interesting with a twist. The flashback story unfolds dramatically throughout the movie, as the tension and story build in current time. The twist was unpredictable, at least to me, and the back/forth in time was done without feeling chaotic and leading to confusion. Great acting by both sets of actors playing the younger and older roles provide the icing on the cake.

nefnie l Super Reviewer