Name: Jolt
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime
Released: 2021-07-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Stanley Tucci, Bobby Cannavale, Jai Courtney, Laverne Cox

The opening scene of Jolt (2021) sets the tone with a brutal bar brawl, where Kate Beckinsale’s Lindy dispatches a handful of attackers with terrifying efficiency. It’s a visceral introduction to a woman with anger management issues and electric powers, but unfortunately, the film never matches this early promise.

Directed by Tanya Wexler and written by Scott Wascha, Jolt is a dark, bloody sci-fi action movie that tries to blend crime thriller elements into its story about a bouncer seeking revenge after her friend’s murder. The premise has potential, but the execution falters. Beckinsale is electrifying in the lead role, delivering a performance that carries much of the film’s weight. Her physicality and intensity are undeniable, especially in the action sequences where Lindy’s powers come into play. However, the script lets her down.

The storytelling is disjointed, with character development often taking a backseat to overly convoluted plot twists. The narrative struggles to find its footing, juggling too many subplots without giving any of them the attention they deserve. Stanley Tucci and Bobby Cannavale provide solid support as Dr. Ivan Munchin and Detective Vicars, respectively, but their characters feel underdeveloped. Laverne Cox’s Detective Nevin is another standout, bringing depth to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional.

The action sequences are the film’s strongest suit, with well-choreographed fights and explosive set pieces. The use of Lindy’s electric powers adds a unique twist to the genre, even if some of the effects feel dated. However, these moments are too few and far between, and the pacing suffers as a result. The film tries to balance humor, drama, and action, but it often feels like it can’t decide which tone to commit to.

Visually, Jolt has moments of creativity, particularly in its use of lighting and color to emphasize Lindy’s volatile state of mind. However, the cinematography is inconsistent, with some scenes feeling flat and others overly stylized without a clear purpose. The soundtrack, while not memorable, does a decent job of heightening the tension during key moments.

Ultimately, Jolt is a film that promises more than it delivers. While Beckinsale’s performance and the action sequences are highlights, the weak script and uneven pacing hold it back from being truly engaging.