Jolt

Directed by Tanya Wexler

★★

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Jolt is a new action/comedy from director Tanya Wexler and first time writer Scott Washcha. The film follows Kate Beckinsale’s Lindy as she deals with her intense anger issues, or at least attempts to.

Mostly, I was hesitant to see Jolt based on its lackluster trailer, and while I can say I was pleasantly surprised in a few ways, the film still left a lot to be desired, especially with its deficient conclusion.

The film seems to be going for that manic over-the-top vibe (a la Crank), and on some levels this works in its favor. When it really leans into its chaos, the film can be a fun time. Beckinsale knows this, and delivers an incredibly unique and feverish performance that, at the very least, makes Jolt watchable. What really baffles me is all the names in this film. Stanley Tucci, Bobby Cannavale, Laverne Cox, Jai Courtney and Susan Sarandon all show up in some form or another, and for the most part, seem to know exactly what movie they signed on for.

However, the film is unfathomably messy (like, super messy), and while Beckinsale offers quite a lot to make you want to forgive the film its flaws, there are only so many blind eyes one can turn. The script is the film’s downfall, and while this is understandable given its Washcha’s freshman writing credit, this still went through enough hands to warrant a few eye rolls, making this one of a few instances where studio meddling may have been a benefit rather than a detriment.

Jolt’s world is heightened by society’s worst and most pessimistic instincts. It plays on our need to dish out snark and leans into our hateful tendencies, but the film’s hand is ridiculously heavy. Despite the leads, the film is filled with unwatchable actors doling out dialogue that even Meryl Streep would struggle with (she would make it work, obviously). While I appreciate that the film was trying to hold up a mirror to society’s unfortunate proclivities, it couldn’t help but feel like a first draft. Match that with some chaotic editing and some adequate directing, and you’ve got a film that is hard to recommend. By no means am I mad that I watched it, I just won’t be having a second viewing.