Brothers by Blood  ★★★

FEW actors do brooding, quiet menace as well as Matthias Schoenaerts.

The Belgian shows us this talent again in the 2020 crime drama Brothers by Blood.

Based on a 1991 novel, Brotherly Love by Pete Dexter, it tells the story of two cousins who are part of an organised crime family, presented over two timeframes.

In the present we follow Peter Flood, played by Schoenaerts, and his cousin Michael (Joel Kinnaman). The latter is a rising leader while Peter is a reluctant enforcer.

The reason for Peter’s reluctance lies in the past and his ongoing torment over the death of his sister when they were children and his father’s violent reaction to the incident.

Ryan Philippe plays against type as Peter’s father while Maika Monroe forms a relationship with the adult Peter as he becomes more and more concerned by his cousin’s growing penchant for violent and vindictive behaviour.

While it’s well shot and has a decent script, the main reason to watch the film is the acting and atmosphere of foreboding created.