Hillcoat's moody heist thriller has atmosphere to spare but a story that lets it down.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Triple 9 is mixed, with most reviewers finding it a watchable but flawed crime thriller. Several critics praised director John Hillcoat's tense, pulpy atmosphere and the cast, particularly Woody Harrelson. The most common criticism is a weak, contrived narrative — with one reviewer calling the story outright "stupid" — and a lack of meaningful suspense despite the film's dark, moody visual style.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 9 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Dark and moody and mildly engaging despite its inconsistencies, Triple 9 benefits from a solid cast – including Woody Harrelson as an eccentric detective investigating the gang. It's not the best crime thriller you'll see, but there are some powerful moments here.
Top critic
Film review ·
Trying to decipher whether all of it amounts to anything, you may appreciate the fact that Triple 9 is as mixed-race as it gets, with no obvious stereotypes.
Top critic
Film review ·
There's little suspense or mystery, and the huge star cast does little to stand out – you could replace one actor with another in the heist gang and there would make absolutely no difference to the way the movie plays out.
Film review ·
Apart from an unnecessary profusion of subplots, you'll likely find this heist-thriller to be quite satisfying.
Film review ·
Certainly not in the class of gangster flicks by such masters as Martin Scorcese or Michael Mann, Triple 9 is nevertheless worth the price of admission.
Film review ·
The treatment employed for 'Triple 9' is as brutal as the story immortalised within. You may not love this movie but there's no way you can remain unaffected by it either.
Film review ·
If you're an action junkie, you should watch Triple 9 for the high octane twists and turns, the fine performances, and John Hillcoat's splendid direction. The film is sure to leave you asking for more.
Film review ·
Is it a slick thriller? Yes, but only in its looks. The story it's trying to tell isn't just uninspiring, it's stupid. If the mob has the FBI on its payroll, they wouldn't hire dysfunctional mercenaries to rob a government agency. A whole lot of Triple 9 doesn't make genuine sense. It's just contrived enough to be appreciated for creative twists. And that's definitely not a good thriller. Not a good film, either.
Film review ·
The plot synopsis for Triple 9 barely stretches beyond a line – corrupt cops on the payroll of Russian mobsters. But director John Hillcoat (The Road, Lawless) packs the film with enough pulpy flavor and tension to transform the routine into something deep and perhaps even profound.
Credits
Casey AffleckChris Allen
Chiwetel EjioforTerrell Tompkins
Anthony MackieMarcus Atwood
Kate WinsletIrina Vlaslov
Woody HarrelsonSergeant Detective Jeffrey Allen
Aaron PaulGabe Welch
Michael K. WilliamsSweet Pea
Clifton Collins, Jr.Jorge Rodriguez
Norman ReedusRussel Welch
Teresa PalmerMichelle Allen
Gal GadotElena
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