‘The Moor’ ★1⁄2 Cast: Sophia La Porta, David Edward-Robertson, Mark Peachey, Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips, Billie Suggett, Dexter Sol Ansell and Bernard Hill. Directed by Chris Cronin; produced by Pawel Pracz, Cronin and Thomas; screenplay by Paul Thomas.A Bulldog Films release.
118 minutes. Rated R (violence and language). Available through Video-on Demand.
A meandering mess of a movie, Chris Cronin’s “The Moor” is an occasionally effective thriller that proves engaging at times, only to squander its potential. Tepid pacing and a directionless script underscore two key problems as there are more than a few moments when it is obvious Cronin isn’t sure how to approach the material, while the script by Paul Thomas is a flabby construct in need of serious trimming. The film opens with an impressive, seemingly single-take sequence that recounts a petty theft from a corner grocery by Claire and Danny (Billie Suggett and Dexter Sol Ansell).
While he serves as a distraction, she stuffs her bookbag with sweets, running out the door as soon as possible. However, Danny fails to join her, mysteriously disappearing in broad daylight. Tragically, he is the first in a series of disappearances that culminate in a dubious arrest years later.
Twenty-five years pass, and the culprit is set for release, prompting Danny’s father, Bill (David Edward-Robertson), to enlist Claire’s help (Sophia La Porta) to use her little-listened-to podcast to make the public aware of this event. .
