Plot Overview
The latest feature from the legendary, old-school filmmaker Sidney Lumet is his best film in two decades. The 83-year-old director, who has made 44 movies in the last 50 years, has created such classics as 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976) and The Verdict (1982), and it’s hard to believe that three years after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award Oscar, his newest movie would become one of his finest works. In Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Andy, a seemingly normal payroll executive who has a serious drug problem and needs to make some quick money. His trophy wife, Gina (Marisa Tomei), is having an affair with his younger brother Hank (Ethan Hawke), who is in such a desperate financial situation that he can’t even afford to pay child support. The two brothers come up with a plan to rob their parents’ jewelry store in the suburbs, thinking that no one would get hurt and the insurance would cover for everything. However, everything goes horribly wrong and the movie follows a shocking and demoralizing aftermath of a family freefalling into chaos.

The Good
This is the kind of a crime saga where the less you know about any parts of the storyline, the better the payoff. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead pulls you into its intricate plot from the very first scene, and once you realize what’s happening, you won’t be able to turn away. This is a gripping and fascinating morality play that splices together suspense, humor and tragedy, while jolting with relentless energy of its witty script from a first-time screenwriter, Kelly Masterson. Most of all, the movie is anchored by the remarkable ensemble cast, in which all of its key players turn in powerhouse performances. Hoffman is one of the best film artists working today, Hawke is a mostly underappreciated actor, Tomei has never looked better as she spends most of her screen time naked, and Albert Finney, the great British veteran actor, offers a scary, but vital supporting performance.

The Bad
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead has some logical issues throughout, considering that there are turns of events that will make you shake your head in disbelief. In many instances, this is a very uncomfortable movie to watch, but if you stick with it, the payoff is tremendous. The complex, non-linear narrative is highly reminiscent of Tarantino and his body of work, and Lumet’s movie rarely hits a false note.

How Does Marisa Tomei Look
As mentioned before, the star of My Cousin Vinny and White Men Can’t Jump spends most of her time naked in Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead, looking better than she has in years. One thing is certain – George Costanza is really mad right now.

Final Word
Taking every aspect into consideration, there is no denying that this is a great film. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead gets so many things right that you can only admire the makers and their daring presentation of events. This is a gritty and powerful filmmaking, executed with ferocious authenticity, filled with absorbing characters, and directed with elegant style and wit. Not many crime thrillers can deeply touch or profoundly move its audience, while being highly entertaining at the same time. Somehow, it is almost an understatement to say that Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead will have a devastating emotional and spiritual impact on you. The world is truly an evil place and Lumet shows it without blinking.