Netflix’s Reunion promises a murder mystery set against the backdrop of a high school reunion, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The movie has a decent cast, including Chace Crawford, Jillian Bell and Nina Dobrev. However, what could have been a gripping whodunit is weighed down by a mix of inconsistent writing, underwhelming performances, and a tone that fails to balance suspense and humour.
The Plot: Potential Turned Mediocrity
The story begins with a high school reunion, where old classmates come together, bringing with them unresolved tensions, romantic entanglements, and deep-seated grudges. The film introduces Mathew Danbury (Chace Crawford), a charming yet flawed character, whose behaviour hints at trouble ahead. He flirts with the women at the party, dances as the high school football mascot, and generally becomes the centre of attention. Meanwhile, Vivian Chase (Jillian Bell) accuses Mathew of tormenting her in high school, adding a layer of confrontation to the gathering.
A severe snowstorm traps the main characters Evan (Billy Magnussen), Ray (Lil Rel Howery), Jasmine (Jamie Chung), Amanda (Nina Dobrev), Vivian and Mr. Buckley (Michael Hitchcock) in Mathew’s house overnight. The next morning, Mathew is found dead, shot in the chest. The storm has cut off communication lines, making escape or calling for help impossible. As suspicions arise, it becomes clear that everyone had a motive tied to their high school grievances. The setup holds promise, combining classic mystery tropes with personal drama. Unfortunately, the film squanders this potential with a rushed and unsatisfying resolution.
Performances: Mixed Bag
Chace Crawford’s portrayal of Mathew is engaging, but his character’s untimely demise early in the film undermines any attachment the audience might have had. Jamie Chung and Billy Magnussen bring some charm as the budding romantic duo, but their chemistry feels underdeveloped.
Jillian Bell as Vivian delivers an earnest performance, but her character lacks depth, and her emotional confrontation with Mathew feels forced rather than cathartic. Lil Rel Howery’s comedic timing feels out of place in a story that should rely more on suspense than humour, making his character, Ray, come off as an unnecessary distraction.
The Killer Reveal: A Letdown
The film’s climax is its most glaring weakness. The killer’s identity is revealed through a tedious 15-minute monologue by one character, who conveniently “figures everything out” without any prior indication of investigative situation. This lack of build-up or evidence makes the twist feel random and unearned, leaving the audience scratching their heads rather than gasping in surprise. A good mystery thrives on subtle clues and revelations, but Reunion opts for a nonsensical, last-minute info dump instead.
Direction and Writing: Where It Fails
The pacing is uneven, with long stretches of inconsequential dialogue that fail to build tension. The screenplay tries to blend humour and drama but ends up diluting the impact of both. The lack of meaningful character development makes it difficult to care about the characters’ fates, while the attempts at dark humour often fall flat.
Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
Reunion is a film that had the ingredients for success with a strong cast, an amazing premise, and a confined setting perfect for suspense. Unfortunately, poor writing, lack of lustre direction, and a clumsy resolution turn it into a forgettable experience. If you’re looking for a well-crafted murder mystery, this isn’t it. While the film might appeal to those seeking light, mindless entertainment, it’s unlikely to satisfy fans of the genre.
Rating: 2/5
