Nowadays, crime movies are often very action-oriented, aiming more for spectacular thrills than necessarily a compelling mystery, sometimes even as competition against special effects-heavy blockbusters. Not that there is anything wrong with that. Yet, it seems today, many of these features are a far cry from the good old days of mystery films. Pictures that keep viewers guessing what is going to happen next while maintaining overwhelming suspense with a slow yet effective pace. Yet, occasionally, some films harken back to the classic noir atmosphere and with grounded realism. After all, everyone loves a good mystery. A good example is Dave Boyle's “Man from Reno,” which weaves a unique cross-cultural communication story while also being a superb neo-noir.
Filmmaker and writer Dave Boyle is generally known for directing comedies and dramas. Just look at “The Surrogate Valentine Trilogy,” which follows the emotional and romantic struggles of a musician named Goh Nakamura. A common theme in Boyle's work is delving into intercultural communication. Being an avid lover of crime movies, he would combine his admiration for noir cinema and interest in Japanese culture to make his own mystery feature, writing a screenplay along with Joel Clark and Michael Lerman. The independent project would unite many established actors and other creative minds as producers, including fellow directors Mye Hoang and Emily Ting. “Man from Reno” would be a hit at film festivals and receive positive reception from critics and audiences.
Small-town sheriff Paul Del Moral is investigating a bizarre case, including a man left for dead and discovering a body. While this happens, a Japanese crime novelist named Aki Akahori is visiting San Francisco after disappearing from the spotlight for a long time. She is writing her next novel but is also dealing with inner struggles. During her stay, she crosses paths with a man named Akira, apparently on a business trip from Reno. However, he suddenly vanishes without a trace. To make things more complicated, Aki finds herself getting roped into a bizarre set of circumstances. Eventually, these stories culminate when she and the sheriff meet and plan to help each other. The dedicated officer is a step further to uncovering a baffling revelation, and the acclaimed writer of fictional mysteries now finds herself investigating a real murder mystery.
“Man from Reno” has quite a mystery that becomes more outlandish and wild as it progresses. The characters are memorable, and the experience is entertaining as it invites the audience to try to assemble this bizarre puzzle, just like the leads in the film. Information is carefully revealed, and there are plenty of subtle visual and dialogue details. Much of the violent content occurs off-screen, but when there is on-screen violence, it is shocking. The entire third act of the movie is simply haunting, with a bone-chilling ending that will stick with viewers. On top of an engaging crime plot, the film has great writing, with a superb script and unexpected twists. The implementation of intercultural interaction also gives the movie a unique identity. Cleverly implanted are elements of Japanese culture playing out within a Western environment, all while people of different backgrounds interact while trying to solve a surreal mystery. Also appealing is the switching back-and-forth of dialogue in English and Japanese.
The performances are top-notch, and all the cast play off each other wonderfully. The leads carry the movie and make the experience all the more engaging. Ayako Fujitani is fantastic as Aki, playing a character who is likable and incredibly sympathetic, bringing a lingering sadness to the part as more plot details are revealed about her. It is very easy for the audience to root for the crime novel writer to get out of this complex mystery unscathed. Also commendable is the fact that in the role, Fujitani is tasked with speaking two languages and bridging together the cultural elements of the film. Equally loveable here is Pepe Serna as Sheriff Paul Del Moral. Serna already had a long career in acting up to this point, yet primarily in supporting parts. Here, he is given a lead role and nails it, being funny and bringing coolness and humanity to the character. Kazuki Kitamura is charismatic and mysterious as Akira, the man from Reno who becomes an important piece of the narrative puzzle being constructed. With minimal screen time, Kitamura gives this strange individual a lot of charisma and the feeling that something isn't right with this person. There are a lot of side characters, but they are also all memorable in their own ways.
A low budget doesn't stop Dave Boyle and the crew from creating an eerie atmosphere. Right from the opening scene, “Man from Reno” pulls viewers into its unpredictable narrative. San Francisco is just as much a character here as the players within the story. The numerous locations also help the mystery's scope and create an unpredictable environment for the characters. Of course, the exquisite lighting and Richard Wong's remarkable cinematography are equally essential to all this. Further contributing to the chilling tone is Micah Dahl Anderson's ominous music score.
“Man from Reno” is terrific and a great return to gritty classic noir. A captivating mystery is woven that engages with a tight script, great acting, striking visuals, and a foreboding atmosphere, and certainly isn't afraid to shock viewers to their core. It all concludes with one of the most haunting finales in recent cinema. Dave Boyle knocked it out of the park for his first crime film.
