“Sleeping Dogs,” an intriguing detective mystery starring Russell Crowe as a retired cop with Alzheimer’s disease, may not be perfect, but it’s the kind of film that keeps you hooked. Despite its patchy nature and contrivances, there is something about it that compels you to continue watching.
A Melancholy Biker Detective
Crowe portrays Roy Freeman, a retired cop who turned in his badge following a drunk-driving accident. Now in the midst of midstage dementia, Roy has resorted to labeling everything in his apartment to combat memory loss. The film draws obvious inspiration from “Memento” but brings its own unique spin. Directed and co-written by Adam Cooper, “Sleeping Dogs” may have the feel of a made-for-VOD film, but it stands out thanks to Russell Crowe’s brooding performance.
Unraveling Memories and a Death Row Prisoner
Roy’s journey takes a surprising turn when he is contacted by Isaac, a death-row prisoner whom Roy helped put away a decade ago. Isaac claims he’s innocent, and Roy is compelled to believe him. As the film progresses, Roy’s memory starts to return slowly, revealing hallucinatory flashes of the past. The story dives into an academic love triangle involving Professor Wieder, his lab assistant Laura, and a misanthropic aspiring novelist.
Multiple Points of View and Puzzle Pieces
“Sleeping Dogs” presents the story from various perspectives, allowing each character to contribute a piece of the puzzle. However, even as the bigger picture comes together, the film struggles to convince the audience at times. It includes elements like a mysterious manuscript, suspects, and a couple of questionable decisions that make it hard to suspend disbelief.
Rediscovering the World Through Roy’s Eyes
What truly works in “Sleeping Dogs” is the way Roy, stripped of his memory, views the world. With a newfound openness, his cognitive impairment becomes an unexpected asset in solving the crime. As his memory gradually returns, Roy realizes his involvement in the case goes deeper than he initially thought. While the film may rely on string-pulling and clever plot twists, it is Russell Crowe who infuses it with a captivating sense of regret.
For more information about “Sleeping Dogs” and other intriguing stories, visit F5mag.com.