Watch One False Move
- R
- 1992
- 1 hr 45 min
-
7.1 (14,365)
One False Move is a 1992 crime thriller directed by Carl Franklin and starring Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cynda Williams. The film was co-written by Thornton and follows a group of criminals as they attempt to evade police after a brutal murder in Los Angeles. The movie opens with a gruesome scene of violence as drug dealer Pluto (Thornton) and his associates commit a home invasion and murder three people in Los Angeles. Afterwards, Pluto and his accomplices decide to flee the city and head to Star City, Arkansas, where Pluto's former girlfriend, Fantasia (Williams), resides.
In Star City, local police chief Dale "Hurricane" Dixon (Paxton) is eager for a big case to prove himself and his department, and he becomes the lead investigator on the case. Dixon is warned by FBI agents that Pluto and his crew may be heading to Star City, so he begins to search for clues.
Meanwhile, Pluto, his unstable partner Ray (Michael Beach), and Fantasia make their way through the South, encountering various dangers and obstacles along the way. As they draw closer to Star City, Dixon receives a tip that leads him to believe the criminals are in the area.
One False Move is a tense and suspenseful film that expertly blends elements of crime drama, thriller, and character study. The screenplay, co-written by Thornton and Tom Epperson, is a standout feature of the film, delving into the complex psychologies of the main characters and their relationships to each other.
The performances by the central trio of actors are all top-notch, with Thornton in particular standing out as the quietly menacing and unpredictable Pluto. Williams brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to Fantasia, while Paxton gives a strong and nuanced portrayal of a small-town police chief grappling with his own personal demons.
Director Carl Franklin, who would go on to direct acclaimed works such as Devil in a Blue Dress and One True Thing, does an excellent job of building tension throughout the film, with several gripping set pieces and a palpable sense of impending danger.
One False Move is also notable for its realistic and gritty depiction of violence, with scenes that are not for the faint of heart. However, the graphic nature of the violence serves to reinforce the film's themes of desperation and the consequences of bad decisions.
Overall, One False Move is a gripping and intense crime thriller that features strong performances, expert direction, and a compelling story that explores the darker sides of human nature. It remains a cult classic and a worthy addition to any fan of the genre's collection.
One False Move is a 1992 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 87.