“What Doesn’t Kill You” is a gritty crime drama depicting the lives of two childhood friends turned Boston criminals and the consequences of their actions. The film explores their complicated relationship with each other, their families, drugs, and the law. It’s a raw and haunting portrayal of the choices we make in life and the price we pay for them.
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Review
If you’re looking for a movie that packs a punch, “What Doesn’t Kill You” is the perfect choice. This gritty drama from 2008 tells the story of two lifelong friends from South Boston who get caught up in a life of crime, drugs and violence. What sets it apart from other films in its genre is the authenticity of its characters and situations.
The movie is based on the true story of Brian Goodman, who directed and co-wrote the film. His experiences growing up in Southie are reflected in the story’s details, such as the local accents and landmarks. However, this is not a nostalgic look back at his youth — it’s a hard-hitting examination of what happens when people make bad choices.
The film opens with Brian (played by Mark Ruffalo) and his friend Paulie (Ethan Hawke) pulling off a robbery at a warehouse. The scene is tense and realistic, with shaky camera work that puts you right in the action. From there, we see them struggle to stay on top of their criminal enterprise while dealing with personal demons.
One aspect that makes “What Doesn’t Kill You” so compelling is its portrayal of addiction. Both Brian and Paulie are addicts — Brian to heroin and Paulie to alcohol. We see how their drug use affects their relationships with their families and each other. The scene where Brian shoots up in front of his wife (played by Amanda Peet) is particularly poignant.
The acting in “What Doesn’t Kill You” is outstanding across the board. Ruffalo and Hawke have great chemistry together as longtime friends who know each other’s flaws all too well. Peet brings depth to her role as a woman torn between her love for her husband and her fear for her children’s safety.
The supporting cast also shines, including Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Moran, who has a complicated history with Brian and Paulie. Wahlberg’s understated performance conveys the character’s weariness and frustration with the cycle of crime and violence that he sees in his work.
The film’s score, composed by Alex Wurman, is both haunting and beautiful. The main theme, which uses piano and strings to create a melancholy mood, perfectly captures the film’s tone. The song “It Was You” by Robbie Robertson, which plays over the closing credits, is also a standout.
While “What Doesn’t Kill You” didn’t receive much attention upon its release, it has since gained a cult following. Its honest portrayal of life in South Boston has resonated with audiences who appreciate its refusal to sugarcoat the reality of addiction and crime.
One aspect of the film that has been criticized is its pacing — some viewers find it slow in places. However, I would argue that this deliberate pacing is necessary to build tension and allow us to fully invest in the characters’ struggles.
Another potential issue is that some viewers may find the movie too dark or depressing. While it certainly doesn’t shy away from the consequences of addiction and crime, I believe that ultimately it is a hopeful story about redemption and forgiveness.
In terms of awards recognition, “What Doesn’t Kill You” largely flew under the radar. However, Ruffalo was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for his performance as Brian.
The cinematography by Chris Norr is excellent throughout — he uses low angles and moody lighting to create a sense of unease. One sequence where Brian hallucinates while detoxing in jail is particularly striking.
Overall, I highly recommend “What Doesn’t Kill You” to anyone who enjoys gritty dramas with authentic characters. While it may not be an easy watch at times, it rewards viewers with powerful performances and an emotional payoff. As Paulie says in one scene: “Life ain’t always roses.” But even when things get tough, there is always the possibility of redemption.
Technical Data
- Release : 2008-12-12
- Runtime : 100
- Genre : Action, Crime, Drama
- Cast : Ethan Hawke as Paulie, Mark Ruffalo as Brian, Amanda Peet as Stacy Reilly, Donnie Wahlberg as Detective Moran, Will Lyman as Sully
- Crew : Christopher Norr as Director of Photography, Donnie Wahlberg as Author, Bob Yari as Producer, Rod Lurie as Producer, Alex Wurman as Music
- Revenue : $44,872
- Budget : 0
- Company : Yari Film Group
- Popularity : 11.453
- Summary : Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship.
- Tagline : Everyone has a choice. Every choice has a consequence.
