In Islam Gimazov’s Guilt Lies Still, a serial killer is loose in the city again, and a frustrated Detective Mikey Amato (Feodor Dolan) has reached a roadblock in his investigation. His captain suggests he seek help from former detective Javier Mendes (Danny Bolero), since the murder is similar to a case Mendes was unable to solve.
In this case and Mendes’ former case, there are elements the two have in common, a bloody note left behind and the method of murder…the “Judas Cradle.” Back at the station, Amato and Mendes get into a divisive argument. Mendes hands Amato a copy of Crime and Punishment and tells him he needs to take the time to understand the motives behind the killing. Amato wants to take action now and storms out. Later that day, Mendes receives a videotape of a suspect being interrogated by Amato using unconventional, if not criminal, methods.
“…the murders resemble the one case Mendes was unable to solve…”
The only fault of Guilt Lies Still is its short length. The action moves too fast until you realize that it’s not so much about the case, but the relationship between Amato and Mendes. The 15-minute runtime doesn’t allow this interesting relationship to grow and breathe.
As mentioned, it’s this relationship between the two that makes Guilt Lies Still engaging. Dolan and Bolero give amazing performances as our detective duo. Dola’s Amato is the impatient do-gooder who wants to find the killer, while Bolero as Mendes is the patient one. As always, not only does impatience win out, but it can also make us do something drastic.
In the end, Guilt Lies Still fulfills the criteria of a mystery-thriller, with an old-school cinematic visual style from DP Alan Yartey. It just needs to slow down and let us take in every thrillery moment.
"…using unconventional, if not criminal, methods..."
