In Theaters: April 15, 2016, Wide
Director: Ariel Vromen
Company: Lionsgate Films
Producer: J.C. Spink, Jake Weiner, Matthew O'Toole, Mark Gill, Christa Campbell, Denis Chobanov
Cast: Kevin Costner (Jerico Stewart), Gal Gadot (Jill Pope), Gary Oldman (Quaker Wells), Ryan Reynolds (Bill Pope), Tommy Lee Jones (Dr. Franks) and more
Criminal (2016) Trailer Breakdown: A Thrilling Dive into Identity, Espionage, and Technology
The Criminal (2016) trailer introduces a high-stakes sci-fi espionage thriller starring Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner, and Gal Gadot. The film follows Jericho Stewart, a death-row inmate who undergoes a CIA memory-transfer experiment to recover vital intelligence. As he grapples with another man’s memories, Criminal explores themes of identity, empathy, and the ethical dilemmas of modern technology.
Exploring the Dark Themes of 'Criminal' (2016)
The 2016 action-thriller film Criminal, directed by Ariel Vromen, merges high-intensity espionage, psychological drama, and science fiction elements. The official trailer teases a gripping narrative that examines the human mind, memory manipulation, and moral consequences in the world of spy technology.
Starring Kevin Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Gary Oldman, Criminal presents a unique take on the spy thriller genre, offering a mix of action, emotional depth, and cutting-edge science fiction themes.
The Protagonist: Jericho Stewart – A Man Without Empathy
At the center of the film is Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner), a hardened criminal with a violent past, impulse control issues, and an inability to feel emotions. The Criminal (2016) trailer reveals that Jericho has spent most of his life behind bars, making him an unlikely subject for a top-secret CIA experiment.
The CIA’s Memory-Transfer Experiment
The film’s central premise revolves around a classified CIA project in which the memories of a deceased intelligence officer, Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds), are implanted into Jericho’s mind. This groundbreaking yet ethically questionable experiment is designed to extract critical intelligence needed to complete Pope’s last mission.
The trailer for Criminal effectively builds suspense, showing Jericho’s struggle as Bill Pope’s emotions and memories begin to take over.
A Battle of Identity and Memory
One of the most compelling elements of Criminal is its exploration of identity and self-awareness. As Jericho experiences Bill Pope’s memories, emotions, and love for his family, he faces an internal conflict:
✅ Will he remain a ruthless criminal?
✅ Can he change and embrace Pope’s moral compass?
✅ Does memory define who we are?
The trailer highlights this transformation with the chilling line:
“They stuck your husband in my head.”
Emotional Conflict: Can Jericho Feel What Bill Pope Felt?
As Jericho begins to experience love, loss, and empathy, the film raises deep philosophical questions about the nature of human connection. Gal Gadot’s character, Jill Pope, heartbreakingly asks:
“Can you feel what Billy felt? He loves you so much.”
This emotional weight adds a layer of psychological depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward action film.
High-Stakes Espionage and Consequences
The Criminal (2016) trailer ramps up the intensity with action-packed sequences, including:
🔥 Explosive chase scenes
🔥 Hand-to-hand combat and gunfights
🔥 High-tech CIA operations and government conspiracies
As the film unfolds, Jericho’s newfound emotions put him at odds with his criminal instincts, leading to a suspenseful moral dilemma:
“Last chance, or they die.”
With national security and innocent lives on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Final Thoughts: Why 'Criminal' (2016) is a Must-Watch Thriller
The trailer for Criminal (2016) sets up an intense and thought-provoking sci-fi espionage thriller. Combining psychological drama, action, and futuristic technology, the film challenges viewers to consider the moral implications of manipulating memory and identity.
🔹 Looking for a gripping action-thriller? Criminal delivers an edge-of-your-seat experience with a stellar cast, emotional depth, and high-stakes espionage.
