“Jackdaw,” an independent action thriller, has several appealing elements, including striking visuals, a compelling central performance, and imaginative action set pieces. The foundation of what could have been a truly gripping film is present, but writer/director Jamie Childs struggles to establish the character development and emotional depth that are essential. I found myself losing interest before the movie reached its first twenty minutes; it progresses so slowly. This creates a sense as though the filmmakers intentionally keep viewers at arm’s length, which ultimately proves detrimental. The film unfolds along the coast of England over one night, and introduces Jack Dawson (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), a former motocross champion and Army veteran, who returns to his hometown to care for his brother Simon (Leon Harrop) following their mother's death. Hoping for a fresh start and wanting to support his sibling, he accepts a job from Silas (Joe Blakemore), an old acquaintance now involved in criminal activity. What begins as a straightforward task—retrieving a mysterious package—quickly spirals into chaos when Jack is double-crossed and Simon is abducted, launching him on a violent nighttime quest for answers and survival. The plot itself is quite thin, and the simplicity of the storyline becomes apparent. There’s an abundance of unnecessary repetition, particularly with multiple scenes set at raves, further contributing to the slow pace. The action sequences are more successful, offering entertaining and inventive fight choreography. The inclusion of vehicles like jet skis, horses, motorcycles, and boats gives the film a feel reminiscent of a man's extreme fantasy. However, these elements never translate into any real emotional connection with the characters. Jackson-Cohen possesses a strong screen presence and is believable as the troubled, emotionally complex Jack. He convincingly portrays the action sequences as well, which is not always easy to do. It seems Childs sometimes mistakes fast pacing for excitement; at times, the action feels rushed and overwhelming. He also frequently relies on shaky camera work, an approach that’s rarely enjoyable for audiences. The film is visually attractive, and Childs' direction demonstrates skill, despite its shortcomings. If you enjoy independent thrillers, “Jackdaw” might be worth seeing purely for the action sequences. I didn’t feel any emotional involvement in either the story or the characters, so it simply didn’t resonate with me.

Source on TMDB