National Treasure (2017)

National Treasure is an uncomfortable, but compelling watch.

National Treasure is a beautifully drawn portrait of ugliness, impeccably written and acted, yet painful to absorb.

The ending is satisfying without betraying the nuanced writing and characterization that came before.

It’s not quick or easy to watch. It’s also not easy to forget.

National Treasure can feel moody to a fault, and there are times, as in the climactic courtroom scenes, when the drama gets a little... dramatic. (Attorneys who should object keep mum for the sake of the monologue.) But it also does capture an awful sense of isolation in close quarters, the sadness of lives that never quite align. And there’s plenty to chew on from beginning to the end.

It’s a strong, challenging drama with great performances.

In the end, National Treasure is content to be beautiful but vacant, smart but facile, high-brow but meaningless. It is, all told, a missed opportunity.