Why I took it off the list:
The fantastic cast, including Judy Greer, Allison Pill, and Alexander Skarsgård, and intriguing choice of director in actor Michael Shannon, made me want to check this one off.
So, let’s dig in!
Review of Eric LaRue (2023)
Based on a stage play, Eric LaRue follows Janice (Greer), as she goes about her routine, bumping into a local pastor in a supermarket. He tries to persuade her to visit her imprisoned son. She refuses, saying “Eric killed those boys”.
At home, she rebuffs the attempts of her husband Ron (Skarsgård) to get her out of the house and socializing. She goes back to her job at the local hardware store, and has an awkward encounter with a customer looking to buy guns.
At work, her husband is pressured to get Janice involved in his pastor’s initiative by a seductive co-worker (Pill). There are competing pastors in this film and both have the idea of bringing together Janice with the murdered boys’ mothers.
Janice is initially resistant to this idea but eventually comes around to a meeting with pastor Steve Calhan (Paul Sparks). . Meanwhile, her husband becomes ever more fanatically religious under pastor Bill Verne (Tracey Letts).
Great Acting but Underwhelming Drama
Eric LaRue is a convoluted, somewhat slow drama, that, unsurprisingly given Shannon’s pedigree, puts the emphasis on the performers, giving each key cast member plenty of dialogue-heavy moments to shine.
As Janice, Greer completely transforms into a world-weary woman who gives off a palpable sense of sadness, giving a subtle and restrained performance throughout. Skarsgård, meanwhile, is admirably committed and gets to go through the emotional wringer with his character.
The film has multiple subplots competing for attention, which means that Greer’s character isn’t as front-and-center as it feel she should be, and the story can at times feel unfocused. Also, several scenes feel stretched out.
Eric LaRue (2023): Worth Watching?
It depends, Eric LaRue ultimately proves to be a fitting showcase for its acting talent, though it fails to consistently engage with compelling drama.
