Movie Review - Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone, the masterful directing debut of the often maligned Ben Affleck, is a powerful evocation of life in a working class Boston suburb.
Having read the novel by Dennis Lehane a couple of years ago, I was highly anticipating the film and it certainly delivered.

Driven by some wonderful performances, including Casey Affleck as Patrick Kenzie, the private investigator at the heart of the story, and Amy Ryan as the neglectful and possibly irredeemable mother, the story revolves around the heartbreaking search for missing 4 year old Amanda McCready.

Working as both a thriller and an interesting exploration of social and complex moral issues, the compelling story telling, rich characterizations and authentic recreation of life on Boston's streets held me captive throughout.

The moral conundrum that faces Kenzie at the end of this film is one that will have you deep in thought long after the final credits have passed. I highly recommend picking up this movie on DVD, it's one of my favourite films of 2008.