Welcome back for another review from one of the featured Letterboxd Lists! This week we have a list that has not yet been referenced. We look to the Jeremy Saulnier: favorite films list where we find today’s pick…State of Grace (1990).
Title: State of Grace
Director: Phil Joanou
Released: Premiered August 30, 1990 (Canada – Montreal World Film Festival), released theatrically September 14, 1990 (United States)
Runtime: 2 hours 15 minutes
Available to stream on: MGM+ and Tubi
Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) has come back to Hell’s Kitchen after 10 years away and wastes no time re-establishing himself on the streets. When a drug deal goes sideways, Terry shoots and kills the would be buyers then escapes into the night.
His best friend Jackie (Gary Oldman) welcomes him back with open arms, though his sister Kathleen (Robin Wright) is a little more skeptical of welcoming her old flame back into her life. Jackie works for his brother Frankie (Ed Harris), who is a local crime boss, and sets up a meeting with the two so that Terry can hopefully join his crew. When Frankie learns of Terry dropping two people upon his return, he’s inclined to bring Terry into the organization.
Now on the inside, Terry needs to be careful. What he hears and sees on the streets could wind up costing him his life.
If that synopsis sounded a bit on the vague side, that’s because it was. With State of Grace (1990) it is hard to get into the nitty gritty of what happens without spoiling anything.
Now, that being said, I’ll come right out and say that I thought this movie was great and I will be recommending it to anybody that’ll listen.
I mean, just look at what a stacked cast this has. While we have Penn, Harris, Oldman, and Wright, there’s also the likes of John Turturro, John C. Reilly, and R.D. Call, as members of the supporting cast. And yes, they all absolutely kill it in their respective roles. Especially Oldman, unhinged Gary Oldman is the best Gary Oldman.
Not only is the cast great, State of Grace (1990) looks great as well. The lighting and framing of each shot from DP Jordan Cronenweth just dares you to try and look away.
Though it clocks in at over 2 hours in length, it sure doesn’t feel like it. The story lures you in and before you know it, after an anxiety-filled final 30-40 minutes, the credits are rolling.
I can see why Jeremy Saulnier considers State of Grace (1990) one of his favorite films. After my first viewing of it, I am in the same boat. If you don’t have access to MGM+, fire up Tubi for free and definitely give this one a watch.
So, if you have seen State of Grace (1990), what did you think?
Leave a comment below or reach out on Bluesky and tell me all about it!
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