A ‘timely period’ piece that stars who fans call one of the most underrated actors is now streaming on Netflix.
Netflix has recently added the true crime thriller Richard Jewell to its platform. Originally released in 2019 and based on real-life events, the film is now available for streaming, allowing audiences to revisit this ‘underrated gem’.
Set during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, security guard Richard Jewell spots a suspicious backpack beneath a bench in Centennial Park. With precious little time, he assists in evacuating the vicinity before the explosive device inside detonates.
Initially celebrated as a hero who saved countless lives, Jewell’s world begins to crumble when the FBI identifies him as the primary suspect in the bombing.
These events genuinely occurred, and the film depicts how the real-life Jewell endured a ‘trial by media’.
In the film, he is portrayed by wrestler and actor Paul Walter Hauser, who has subsequently appeared in The Luckiest Man in America, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and voiced Embarrassment in Pixar’s Inside Out 2 , reports the Mirror.
The supporting cast features Sam Rockwell as Jewell’s lawyer, Kathy Bates portraying Jewell’s mother, alongside Jon Hamm and Olivia Wilde. The production attracted some controversy, particularly regarding its portrayal of certain events, including fictionalised sequences and the characterisation of a journalist.
Nevertheless, it garnered largely favourable reviews from critics, achieving a solid 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an even more striking 96% audience score. Directed by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood, the film is regarded by many as one of his finest recent works.
One critic remarked: “The veteran director creates one of his best films in years with this powerful true story.”
Another enthused: “One of Clint’s most memorable characters, and a picture as well rounded and engaging as he’s crafted in years.”
They were far from alone, as one devoted fan wrote: This is a jewel of a film from the past ten years, scandalously underrated. Clint is a top director when on form and he delivered with a beautifully crafted and acted plot with a tremendously well casted ensemble.
Deserves a wider audience. Simple but stunning story and told so powerfully.”
Another viewer added: “It’s right up there with Gran Torino for my favourite. Paul Walter Hauser is, perhaps, one of the most underrated actors at the moment. Sam Rockwell is magnificent, as always, we need more movies with him. And Kathy Bates is just superb. Give it a try if you like movies with charismatic actors and underdog characters.”
A further reviewer described it as “a timely period piece” before declaring: “Richard Jewell, the film, is a nearly-perfect piece of filmmaking. The performances are all outstanding.”.
Despite the widespread acclaim, the film received just a single nomination at the 2020 Oscars ceremony — Kathy Bates in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Nevertheless, countless fans who have seen the film remain firmly convinced it deserved recognition across far more categories, and should have walked away with multiple awards. A fan declared: “Another Clint Eastwood masterpiece. ” While another questioned: “How on earth did this not win Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor Oscars for all its stars?”
Richard Jewell is streaming on Netflix.