The taut, intense thriller “Detained” is a small-scale crime film that is surprisingly well done. Director and co-writer Felipe Mucci delivers a well-laid-out story with a gripping mystery, presenting an engaging hook from the start. With brisk pacing and a cleverly constructed narrative, this one is an unexpectedly solid genre film that gives off major “True Detective” vibes.

In the middle of the night, Rebecca (Abbie Cornish) wakes up inside a run down police station with no memory of how she got there. Faced with two extremely combative detectives (Laz Alonso, Moon Bloodgood), Rebecca is told that she is being charged with a hit and run. Her already dire situation grows worse after an altercation leads to the death of a fellow inmate and one of the officers. With blood on her hands and no place to turn, she tries to bribe her way out of the escalating mess.

Boosted by solid performances from the entire cast, Cornish is the real standout here, showcasing her depth and versatility. It seems she rarely is given the credit she deserves as an actor, and she effortlessly carries the movie here.

The film’s singular setting is a gimmick that can burden other projects, but it works well here because the tightly conceived story is so meaty. The script is intense and well written, and the mystery is more sophisticated than you’d expect. The narrative jumps around in time but is never confusing and remains easy to follow. The outcome eventually becomes predictable, but the twisty guessing game that makes up the journey there is highly entertaining. Even better, the final reveal and ensuing bloodbath make it all so satisfying.

With a skillfully balanced predictability paired with strong performances and shrewd twists, “Detained” will leave you surprised and entertained.

By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS