← Back to results
Control
2004 104 min United States of America, Canada R 18+
★6.5
Thriller, Action
Director: Tim Hunter
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
Lee Ray Oliver, a death row inmate, is given a second chance at life if he agrees to undergo a new chemical treatment used to modify behavior.
Budget:
$6.8M
Starring
Ray Liotta
Actor
Willem Dafoe
Actor
Michelle Rodriguez
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
Control is generally regarded as a competent and watchable thriller that makes the most of a modest budget. While it features strong performances and a compelling premise regarding human redemption, it is often criticized for being formulaic and derivative of 1990s genre tropes.
| Acting | Ray Liotta delivers a memorable and anchoring performance that drives the film's psychological focus. | |
| Production | The film succeeds as a well-crafted production that maintains high quality despite its limited budget and lack of CGI. | |
| Originality | The central premise of a convicted killer being forcibly reformed through an experimental drug is intriguing, though it relies on recycled genre concepts. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative balance is divisive; some viewers appreciate the mix of introspection and action, while others find the shift from psychological drama to standard thriller to be disjointed or simplistic. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split between those who find it engaging and well-structured, and those who feel the film suffers from drag or redundant sequences. |