Kill the Messenger

Come for the acting, but not much else.

It's sporadically gripping but ultimately rather frustrating fare, leaving us intrigued enough by the conspiracy-theory backstory to want hard documentary evidence rather than mere dramatic licence.

[Renner gives] is a rousing performance but the film is a little one-dimensional in its portrayal of Webb as a result.

Kill the Messenger is earnest and righteous but almost entirely lacking in thrills.

It's hard to look away as his world unwinds.

Although skilfully made and often exciting, Kill the Messenger ultimately fails to flog us its key contention.

The title of this movie couldn’t be more fitting. What happened to Webb was disgraceful, and went far in turning investigative journalists into a dying breed no amount of bloggers or slipshod Internet trolls could ever replace.

...compelling subject matter that’s employed to predominantly engaging (albeit somewhat forgettable) effect by Michael Cuesta...

The fine technical merits of Cuesta's film, along with the standout performances by the cast, fail to create a sense of urgency about a subject that should have been a much larger scandal.

Overall, this is an emotional, powerful retelling of Webb's story.