Detroit Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs

Ups...

7. Will Poulter's Oscar-Worthy Performance

Detroit Will Poulter
MGM

If you still have any doubts about Will Poulter as an actor, you can pretty much cast them aside after watching his performance in this movie as a racist Detroit cop who assaults the Algiers Motel and accosts the predominantly black residents within.

Poulter may have ultimately missed out on playing Pennywise in the upcoming It, but he plays a thoroughly convincing real-life monster here, a remorseless psychopath who puts the Algiers' unlucky denizens through a night of abject Hell.

Poulter is legitimately terrifying in a part many probably assumed he was miscast for, wringing every ounce of physical and emotional intimidation out of it, and if he ends up earning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination next year or even an outright win, it will be extremely well-earned. Bravo.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.