Karl Urban lays down the law in the gritty and grim Dredd

Starring Karl Urban, Dredd is a lean, muscular, unapologetically violent thriller based on the popular ‘2000AD’ comic character. Stripping away the excess of the previous Stallone film, Dredd takes us to a grittier Mega City One, where Dredd is evaluating rookie Judge Anderson (Olivia Thirlby). When they are called to the picturesque-in-name-only Peach Trees tower block to investigate a murder, they find themselves locked in and facing the ruthless drug baron Ma-Ma (Game Of Thrones‘ Lena Headey) who will stop at nothing to preserve her production line of the perception-altering drug Slo-Mo.

Bloody, brutal, and deadly serious—though peppered with flashes of pitch-black humour—this film pleased and appeased long-time fans of Dredd but struggled to achieve the mainstream success it deserved at the cinema. The 3D is expertly deployed by director Pete Travis, used solely to enhance the story, particularly in the scenes where we experience the effects Slo-Mo can have. Alex Garland’s taut screenplay expertly builds tension and keeps the action feeling epic despite the self-contained nature of the setting.

Mega City One is vividly realised, a sprawling dystopian metropolis that stretches endlessly in all directions. The urban decay and oppressive atmosphere are brought to life with impressive visual effects and production design. The film’s gritty aesthetic is a far cry from the over-the-top stylings of its predecessor, embracing a more realistic and grounded approach. The towering Peach Trees block, with its labyrinthine corridors and grimy interiors, serves as a claustrophobic and menacing backdrop for the film’s relentless action.

Urban’s portrayal of Dredd is pitch-perfect, capturing the character’s stoicism, unwavering sense of justice, and grim determination. Unlike the Stallone version, Urban never removes his helmet, staying true to the comic book character’s iconic look. This decision not only placates die-hard fanboys but also reinforces the notion that Dredd is more than just a man—he is the embodiment of the law in a lawless world. Urban’s commanding presence and gravelly voice lend this incarnation of the character an air of authority and menace to the character, a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Olivia Thirlby shines as a rookie judge with psychic abilities and Anderson’s journey from uncertain trainee to confident enforcer adds an emotional depth to the film. Her psychic visions, depicted through striking visual effects, offer a glimpse into the minds of criminals and victims alike, adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. Thirlby and Urban share a compelling chemistry, and their evolving partnership is one of the film’s highlights. Likewise, Lena Headey’s Ma-Ma is a memorable villain, exuding a chilling calmness that belies her ruthless nature. With her scarred face and dead-eyed stare, Headey’s portrayal is both intimidating and captivating. Her weapon of choice, the drug Slo-Mo, provides a visually stunning and horrifying glimpse into the altered perceptions of its users, with scenes rendered in hyper-realistic slow motion that are both beautiful and brutal.

The film’s action sequences are relentless and expertly choreographed, making full use of the confined setting to create tension and excitement. Each encounter is brutal and visceral, with bone-crunching fights and explosive shootouts that leave a lasting impact. The use of practical effects and minimal CGI adds to the film’s gritty realism, ensuring that every punch and bullet feels authentic and impactful. The sound design further enhances the intensity, with a throbbing, electronic score that amplifies the sense of urgency and danger.

If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s time to correct that error of judgment.