'Reunion' Review: Nina Dobrev is a treat to watch in this comedy-thriller
Contains spoilers for 'Reunion'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Reunion', an American comedy-thriller film, has officially premiered on Paramount+. Directed by Chris Nelson, known for his work on various comedy and drama projects, 'Reunion' is a unique blend of humor and suspense.
The film stars Lil Rel Howery as Ray Hammond, Billy Magnussen as Evan West, Jamie Chung as Jasmine Park, Chace Crawford as Mathew Danbury, Jillian Bell as Vivian Chase, and Nina Dobrev as Amanda Tanner.
In the beginning, the movie leans heavily on humor and adult jokes to set the tone. However, as the story progresses, suspense gradually builds, providing thrilling and unexpected twists. The shift from humor to suspense is seamless, keeping viewers engaged and intrigued as they are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Billy Magnussen's stellar performance steals the limelight in 'Reunion'
In 'Reunion', Billy Magnussen portrays Evan West, a dedicated police officer who is also a graduate of the Ridgeview High School class of 2001.
Evan is jealous of Mathew Danbury (Chace Crawford) because he is wealthy and is hosting a lavish reunion party for the Ridgeview High School class of 2001. This jealousy stems from Evan's own struggles and insecurities, as he compares himself to Mathew and feels inadequate in comparison.
Magnussen's ability to convey Evan's inner turmoil is truly remarkable, drawing the audience into the character's journey. His acting is amazing in scenes where he effortlessly delivers jokes about Mathew to his friend Ray Hammond (Lil Rel Howery).
In the first half of 'Reunion', Magnussen portrays Evan as a good-hearted individual and a loyal friend, despite his underlying jealousy towards Mathew. Magnussen brings warmth and sincerity to Evan's character, making him relatable and likable to the audience. However, when Mathew is killed, the whole dynamic changes and Evan's character takes a dark turn.
Alongside his friends, Evan finds himself trapped in the house due to being snowbound, leading to a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. However, he begins to investigate Mathew's death.
In a shocking twist, it is later revealed in 'Reunion' that Evan is not the person he appears to be. It is uncovered that Evan actually planned Mathew's murder with Mathew's wife.
Magnussen's portrayal of Evan in this revelation is chilling. His ability to portray Evan's transformation from a seemingly good-natured person to a manipulative and deceitful individual is a chef's kiss.
Throughout the film, Magnussen keeps the audience guessing about Evan's true intentions and motivations. One of the most impressive aspects of Magnussen's performance is his ability to maintain ambiguity. Even as the story unfolds and Evan's true nature is revealed, Magnussen keeps the audience guessing until Ray speaks the truth.
Portraying a character with dual personalities is no easy feat, but Magnussen does so with exceptional skill in 'Reunion.'
Nina Dobrev brings Amanda Tanner to life with grace and skill
Nina Dobrev shines as the star of the film, portraying the character of Amanda Tanner with depth and emotion.
While the whole narrative revolves around Mathew's death, Nina's portrayal of Amanda ensures that her character is not overshadowed. Amanda is running for election in the primary and attends the reunion party to prevent others from seeing an old school video.
In the video, Amanda is seen putting a peanut on a girl's face who has an allergy, as part of a misguided attempt to gain an advantage in the class president election.
Nina's portrayal of Amanda, a cunning and ambitious woman running for election, is captivating. She effortlessly navigates Amanda's complexities, portraying her as both ambitious and flawed.
Throughout the film, Nina expertly navigates Amanda's journey, showing her evolution from a seemingly confident and ambitious woman to someone grappling with the consequences of her past actions.
Whether she is sharing a heartfelt moment with a friend or engaging in a banter, Nina's performance is always convincing and compelling.
'Reunion' masterfully crafts a suspenseful thriller experience through its pacing
The film's pacing is well-executed, building suspense and tension as the story unfolds. 'Reunion' revolves around the mystery of Mathew's murderer, and the suspense is expertly maintained throughout the film, thanks to its well-crafted pacing and clever storytelling.
As the story unfolds, new revelations and twists keep viewers on their toes, ensuring that the identity of the murderer remains a mystery until the final moments.
In 'Reunion,' all the characters attend the reunion with their own hidden motives, which are gradually revealed as the story unfolds. This gradual unraveling of secrets keeps the audience engaged, as they try to piece together the puzzle alongside the characters.
Overall, 'Reunion' is a must-watch film for fans of suspenseful thrillers. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply enjoy a well-executed thriller, 'Reunion' is sure to satisfy your craving for suspense and intrigue.
'Reunion' is currently streaming on Paramount+