By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
TENSION ON A TRIGGER: BILL SKARSGARD SHINES IN "DEAD MAN'S WIRE"
Bill Skarsgard isn't clowning around in his latest film,
"Dead Man's Wire." Best known for terrifying audiences as the sinister
Pennywise in the "It" films and TV's "It: Welcome to Derry," Skarsgard delivers a gripping, edge-of-your-seat performance in this gritty 1970s true-crime drama set in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Inspired by real events, "Dead Man's Wire" follows Tony Kiritsis (Skarsgard), a deeply troubled man pushed to the brink after Meridian Mortgage Company--owned by M.L. Hall (a terrific Al Pacino, "Maserati: The Brothers," and "House of Gucci")--reneges on his property investment.
What follows is a shocking chain of events that culminates in Kiritsis kidnapping Hall's son Richard (Dacre Montgomery, TV's "Stranger Things"), wiring a 12-gauge Winchester sawed-off shotgun to his neck.
The film's title underscores the horrifying stakes of the situation. If a police officer fired at Kiritsis, the rigged shotgun would instantly discharge, killing Hall, and the same deadly outcome would occur if Hall made any attempt to escape. It's a cruel, terrifying stalemate that keeps tension wound impossibly tight throughout the film.
As a self-described news junkie, I'm still amazed this real-life story somehow slipped past me back in the day, but I’m grateful director
Gus Van Sant ("The Prince of Fashion," "Good Will Hunting," and TV's "Feud") has brought this chilling chapter of history powerfully to life on the big screen.
Skarsgard once again proves his remarkable versatility as an actor, disappearing completely into the role of Kiritsis. Stripped of horror theatrics, his performance is raw, unsettling, and emotionally layered, capturing a man unraveling under betrayal, obsession, and desperation. It's a bold departure from his most iconic roles and a reminder that Skarsgard excels not only in genre films, but also in grounded, character-driven storytelling. If you missed him in last year's excellent but overlooked "Locked," check it out.
Van Sant has crafted a tense, atmospheric film that never loses its emotional grip. His restrained yet purposeful direction allows the performances to breathe while steadily building dread, making "Dead Man's Wire" as psychologically compelling as it is haunting. Van Sant elevates the material beyond a standard crime drama, transforming it into a chilling study of obsession, power, and consequence.
One of the film's most compelling dynamics comes through Tony's relationship with radio DJ Fred Temple, played wonderfully by Colman Domingo ("Michael," "Wicked: For Good," and "The Running Man"). Fred is "The Voice of Indianapolis," and when law enforcement hits a wall trying to reason with Tony, they turn to him as a last hope to talk him down.
Domingo brings warmth, empathy, and quiet authority to the role, grounding the film emotionally as tensions escalate.
Pulled unwillingly into the crisis, Fred listens to Tony's grievances and initially seems genuinely moved by his plight. Still, he understands the stakes and does everything in his power to prevent the situation from spiraling into tragedy.
As the hostage situation intensifies, ambition and ego creep into the chaos. Everyone wants to make a name for themselves including local TV reporter Linda Page, played with fierce determination by Myha'la ("They Will Kill You," and "Swiped"). Long overlooked at her station, Linda sees this unfolding crisis as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove herself.
Not only is the acting in "Dead Man's Wire" outstanding across the board, but the film also feels strikingly authentic. From the dialogue to the wardrobe, the 1970s atmosphere is fully realized.
Van Sant smartly incorporates actual news footage from the incident, including photographer
John Blair's Pulitzer Prize--winning image of Kiritsis holding Richard Hall at gunpoint during a press conference, blurring the line between dramatization and reality in a way that's both chilling and effective.
Ultimately, it's Skarsgard's portrayal of an honest, blue-collar working man crushed by a system stacked against him--and Montgomery's raw performance as a terrified captive--that truly drive the suspense.
"Dead Man's Wire" debuted quietly in limited release and has largely flown under the awards-season radar, but I was fortunate enough to catch it in time. The film, which opened during the Christmas holiday, earned a well-deserved spot on my Top 20 Movies of 2025 list.
It's a powerful, unsettling, and unforgettable film and one of the year's best.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"DEAD MAN'S WIRE"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
