🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Eshom Nelms, Ian Nelms
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Drama, Noir
- Release year: 2017
- Runtime (length): 1h 31min
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Drunk ex-cop finds a dead girl, decides to become a detective again, but mostly just makes things worse for everyone, especially himself.
🍿 Small Town Crime: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Mike Kendall
Mike Kendall, portrayed by John Hawkes, is introduced as a disgraced, alcoholic ex-cop struggling with his past failures. Haunted by a tragic incident, he spends his days grappling with his inner demons and yearning for a chance at redemption. The narrative establishes him as a flawed protagonist, setting the stage for his unexpected journey.

Discovery and Decision
Kendall’s life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a young woman left for dead on the side of the road. Driven by a sense of guilt and a desperate need to reclaim his former self, he impulsively decides to investigate her case. This decision marks the beginning of his descent into a dark and dangerous world.

Unraveling the Conspiracy
As Kendall delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of blackmail, prostitution, and murder involving influential figures in the small town. He encounters a diverse cast of characters, including ruthless criminals, desperate victims, and morally ambiguous allies, each with their own agendas and secrets.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mike Kendall (John Hawkes): An alcoholic ex-cop seeking redemption who becomes embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation.
- Teddy Banks (Anthony Anderson): Mike’s best friend and Kelly’s husband, a recovering alcoholic who supports Mike despite his flaws.
- Kelly Banks (Octavia Spencer): Mike’s foster sister and Teddy’s wife, concerned about Mike’s self-destructive behavior and involvement in the crime.
- Steve Yendel (Robert Forster): The vengeful grandfather of the murdered woman who hires Mike to find the killer.
- Mood (Clifton Collins Jr.): A flamboyant pimp connected to the murdered woman who assists Mike in his investigation.
- Orthopedic (Jeremy Ratchford): A ruthless and imposing hitman hired to cover up the crime.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Teddy Banks: “Hey, wrap your car around a tree, I’m not going to feel guilty!” – Said in a moment of frustration, highlighting the strained relationship between Teddy and Mike.
- Kelly Banks: “Neither am I.” – Kelly responds to her husband showing her resentment towards Mike.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Small Town Crime Reviews
Personal Review
I really enjoyed Small Town Crime! John Hawkes was perfect as the messed-up ex-cop. He made the character so believable, even when he’s doing the dumbest things. The plot was twisty and kept me guessing, and there were some genuinely funny moments mixed in with the violence. That scene with the purple Impala? Unforgettable! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something a little different.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of neo-noir films”
- “Viewers interested in crime thrillers with flawed protagonists”
- “Those who appreciate indie films with strong character development”
- “Viewers of John Hawkes, Robert Forster, and Octavia Spencer”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong violence”
- “Profanity”
- “Some sexual content”
- “Drug use”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- IndieFilmReview: “Small Town Crime balances dark humor and brutal violence effectively. John Hawkes delivers a compelling performance as a flawed protagonist seeking redemption, though some tonal shifts may be jarring. The strong performances and well-paced mystery make it a worthwhile watch for fans of classic detective stories.
- NoirCinema: “A gritty neo-noir thriller that echoes the style of classic crime films with a modern edge. The ensemble cast, led by John Hawkes, brings depth to its characters, while the tight script and surprising twists keep you engaged. The film’s exploration of morality and redemption adds layers to its pulpy narrative.
- ActionFanatic: “While Small Town Crime delivers on its promise of action and suspense, it relies on familiar tropes and doesn’t break new ground. John Hawkes’ performance is a standout, but the plot can feel predictable at times. Still, it’s an enjoyable ride for those looking for a solid crime thriller with a touch of dark humor.
Audience Reactions
John Hawkes’ performance is phenomenal; he makes the flawed character relatable and compelling.: Viewers appreciate the dark humor, unexpected twists, and strong performances of the cast, especially John Hawkes.
The quirky mix of humor and violence kept me engaged and entertained throughout the film.: People liked the film’s ability to blend genres, offering both laughs and suspense in equal measure.
Overall Consensus: Small Town Crime is a well-received indie crime thriller praised for its strong performances, dark humor, and twisty plot, although some find it relies on familiar genre tropes.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The Nelms Brothers, who directed the film, are known for their distinct visual style and blending of dark humor with crime elements.”
- “John Hawkes’ performance was praised for capturing the flawed and complex nature of his character, Mike Kendall.”
- “The film was shot on location in Utah, providing a unique backdrop for the small-town crime narrative.”
- “The soundtrack features ‘Como Te Quiero’ which contributes to the film’s atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch Small Town Crime?
Currently, ‘Small Town Crime’ is available for streaming on Peacock, DirecTV, and Fubo. Movie is also available on demand, you can rent or purchase the film on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Small Town Crime, you might like these similar films:
- Blood Simple (1984): Shares a similar neo-noir atmosphere with flawed characters and dark humor in a crime setting.
- Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005): Mixes crime with dark humor and features a down-on-his-luck protagonist investigating a murder.
- Winter’s Bone (2010): John Hawkes delivers another stunning performance showcasing his versatility, and the movie portrays the harsh realities of small town life, similar to the setting of ‘Small Town Crime’.
🛒 Small Town Crime Related Products
- The Maltese Falcon (Blu-ray): A classic film noir Blu-ray that shares a similar detective mystery theme, delving into crime and moral ambiguity.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Pulp Fiction – Jules Winnfield: A Funko Pop figure from Pulp Fiction is similar in the sense of violent crime, dark humor, and quirky character dynamics.
- Noir Crime Detective Novel Collection: A set of classic noir novels with themes of mystery, crime, and flawed protagonists navigating dangerous situations.
- Muscle Car Poster – ’73 Chevy Nova SS: A high-quality poster of a ’73 Chevy Nova SS, similar to the one driven by the main character in the movie, this adds a bit of visual flair to any room.
🎧 Soundtrack
Small Town Crime features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Como Te Quiero” – performed by Herman Beeftink
- “Highway to Hell” – performed by AC/DC
- “Born to Be Wild” – performed by Steppenwolf
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Small Town Crime’ is a crime thriller about an alcoholic ex-cop who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy when he tries to solve the murder of a young woman.
The film was primarily shot in Utah, United States. The settings contributes to the film’s atmosphere.
No, ‘Small Town Crime’ is a work of fiction, although it incorporates elements of crime and noir genres.
🔥 Bonus Content
Jesus mocked on the cross – #crucifixion #crucified #jesus #cross #crucificado #crucifixión
Ever wondered how Jesus was treated during the crucifixion? This short clip visualizes the humiliation he endured. It’s pretty intense, but it makes you think about the magnitude of the event.
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