Watch The Trace

The Trace is a 1994 crime thriller, directed by Kevin Hooks and starring Billy Dee Williams as Winston 'Win' Garvey, a detective with the New York Police Department, and Lynn Whitfield as his wife Audrey Garvey. The film revolves around a case that Win is investigating, which involves the murder of a wealthy businessman, whose body is found under mysterious circumstances.

The Trace begins with the discovery of the businessman's body, which is covered in bruises and stab wounds, and is lying in a dumpster behind a high-rise building. Win is assigned to the case and begins to investigate the crime scene, looking for clues to help him identify the killer. However, as he starts to piece together the evidence, he realizes that there is more to the case than meets the eye.

As Win delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit, involving key players in the city's political and business circles. He is also forced to confront his own demons, as he struggles with alcoholism and his failing marriage to Audrey.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Win refuses to give up on the case and continues to pursue the truth, even when it puts him in danger. Along the way, he enlists the help of his partner, Earl (played by David Groh), and a young journalist, Karen (played by Stephanie Romanov).

The Trace is a tense and suspenseful thriller, with strong performances from Billy Dee Williams and Lynn Whitfield. The film is well-paced and keeps viewers guessing until the very end, as the plot twists and turns in unexpected directions.

One of the strengths of the film is the way it explores the complex relationships between the characters. The Garveys' troubled marriage is a central part of the story and adds an emotional depth to the film. Win's struggle with alcoholism is also handled in a nuanced and sensitive way, highlighting the challenges faced by many people in law enforcement.

The Trace is also notable for its depiction of New York City in the mid-1990s. The film captures the gritty and dangerous atmosphere of the city at the time, with scenes shot in iconic locations such as Times Square and Central Park.

Overall, The Trace is an excellent example of the crime thriller genre, with compelling characters, a well-crafted plot, and strong direction. It stands the test of time as a classic of 1990s cinema and is well worth seeking out for fans of the genre.

The Trace is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes.