Shot Caller (2017) – Review

Although the end of Game of Thrones is slowly approaching, I had never seen the show until recently. That also means that I do not immediately associate Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (who plays Jaime Lannister in GoT) with that series. The film I mainly know about is the Scandinavian film Headhunters, in which he is the bad guy. A great actor whom I wanted to see in a different role and Shot Caller appealed to me. I love prison movies (see my top 10 for this genre) and since this title is partly set there and Coster-Waldau looks like a gangster on the poster, I was very curious.

Jacob (Coster-Waldau) was once a successful businessman. He was happy with his wife Kate (Lake Bell) and their son. Due to circumstances he ended up in prison and that changed him. He is now called Money, is covered with tattoos and is part of a gang. When he is released he decides not to return to his old life, but to prepare an arms deal, together with Frank “Shotgun” (Jon Bernthal) and a number of others. All while Jacob is being watched by the police. Despite his new life, he can not quite break the ties with his past.

 Shot Caller consists of three timelines that are shown together, consisting of his life before, during and after his imprisonment. In this way you slowly find out what turned Jacob into Money and why he is doing it all. As a prison film, this title does nothing new, but it is very well acted and it is precisely the combination with the other two timelines that make it such a fine title to see. This film is a chance for Coster-Waldau to show his acting talent because he plays someone who is forced to change completely, but (when he is alone) still struggles. He knows how to carry the film perfectly. A strong title that works well and does not shy away from violent moments. As a result, it may not be a title for everyone, but if you like prison movies, then it is certainly worth watching.