Fresh Kills

[Jennifer Esposito] has fashioned something authentic and captivating.

But Fresh Kills proves we must always give everything a fair shake. Jennifer Esposito’s debut feature isn’t a mere “not bad"—it’s a stone-cold “this is great” success.

Fresh Kills could have been a psychologically penetrating character study but settles for merely reiterating that it’s unpleasant to be a gangster’s daughter.

Esposito’s screenplay has authenticity but not a lot of depth or surprise. Still, her relatively narrow focus is well-served by performances and direction that fill it out with lived-in assurance.

Actor Jennifer Esposito hits the target with her electrifying directorial debut that reinvents and reinvigorates worn-out mobster tropes.

The three actresses give deeply human performances that should remind everyone that the invisible women that these movies love to sideline are more than capable of anchoring their own stories.

Fresh Kills is an excellent, thoughtful and, yes, fresh drama.

Jennifer Esposito's lived-in mobster saga says a lot without having to shout about it. The female perspective of an organized crime family hasn't been portrayed this fully on screen before. You couldn't have picked a better cast for such a raw tale.

Esposito’s film is filled with lived-in details and a style that feels authentic to the era, not overly cliched. Most of the tension in the film comes from the vast interior terrain of these women.

Fresh Kills is driven by solid female character development and has a powerful final act. Esposito proves that she has a lot to say and I’m excited to see what she creates next.