Genre: Mystery
Director: Rian Johnson
Writer: Jacob Jones
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Anna Kendrick, Jim Carrey, Suki Waterhouse, Ben Hardy, Josh Gad, Ben Kingsley
Plot: San Francisco, 1947:
As citizens across San Francisco hurry about the streets to carry out their errands, a handsome looking man wearing his finest zoot suit enters the famous San Francisco Police Department, keeping a neutral expression as he slowly shuffles to his office, located at the darkest corners of the department. Through narration, we learn that his name is Derek Colomine (Leonardo DiCaprio), but he prefers to just be called his first name. He welcomes us to San Francisco, the only place that seems to understand an asshole who follows the law like him. As he sits on his swivel chair, he comes across one of the other detectives working at District 12, Ken (Josh Gad). He hands him some papers, only to be told that those are yesterday’s deals. He scurries off to get today’s dealings.
Derek grumbles to himself about getting some ‘quality help’ when he turns on the radio and hears the latest news. Seeing how bad some people have it, he mutters about his life not being as ‘fucked’ as others. Ken returns with today’s dealings, managing to slip a ticket in between some of the papers. Derek discovers this and asks what it’s about, Ken reveals it’s for the Ruby Gold (Anna Kendrick) concert tomorrow. He tells Ken that he doesn’t have time for a concert, he has work tomorrow, only for Ken to remind him that tomorrow is Saturday. After much cajoling, Derek reluctantly agrees to go to the concert, but only if he drives. As Ken heads off, Derek stares at the ticket wondering where he’s heard the name ‘Ruby Gold’.
The next day, Derek is awakened by the sound of a car-horn honking. He finds that he overslept and that the concert is in a few hours. He rushes to the car, not looking the sharpest dressed. Ken offers to get him something to eat before the concert. As they head to the diner, the news plays on the car radio. The broadcaster reveals that singer Swingin’ Sidney was found in the hospital after a freak incident mutilated her vocal chords. Derek shakes his head, calling this a ‘new’ one. They arrive at the diner, Derek helping himself to a coffee and scrambled eggs. As the two dine, Ken asks if he’s gotten hooked on Ruby yet. Derek says he hasn’t, not wanting to ‘spoil the experience’. Ken admits that he has, gushing about how wonderful it truly is. As if on cue, the diner begins to play one of her songs. Derek listens on, seemingly entranced. Seeing his expression, he tells him to wait until she looks into her eyes.
Sure enough, a few hours later at one of the cabarets, Derek sees through Ruby's beautiful eyes as she performs her set. Once she finishes, everyone rises for a standing ovation. Ken seems to go on for a little too long, only stopping when Derek asks him to stop for the 'beautiful lady in gold'. Ruby blushes, seemingly acknowledging the comment. Derek heads out, letting Ken stay in to take in everything while he has a cigarette. Outside, Derek looks at the dreary nature of life when he sees a familiar sight asking if he comes around often. To his surprise, it's Ruby.
Flustered at first, Derek regains his charming demeanor, saying he was dragged by his friend and found an angel in her. Ruby giggles, thanking him for the comment. Derek looks up, seeing the moon and is about to get Ken so they can head home when Ruby offers to drive for him. Relieved, Derek accepts the offer. As the three make their home, Derek learns that the two of them used to go to the same high-school and that Ruby is signed to a contract by Melody Maker Studios and was trained by folk-singer Solomon (Russell Crowe). Derek reveals he's getting over a third failed marriage. Ruby expresses sympathy as the group arrives at his house.
As Derek heads in, Ruby tells him that she thinks he's a good guy and assures him to keep looking for the person in his life. Derek promises and watches as Ruby drives off. Inside her car, Ruby begins to wonder if she's seen him before when she hits a pothole and gets a flat tire. She gets out of her car to try and change it when she sees a mysterious man dressed in all black carrying a crowbar. Ruby tries to interact with him only for him to suddenly charges towards her, crowbar in hand and-
The scene cuts to black soon after, only Ruby's screams being heard.
The next day, Derek awakens in his bedroom when the phone rings. He rushes over to it and hears Ken's voice. He learns that Ruby is in the hospital. Surprised, Derek tells him to meet up at his house, they're going to pay a visit. Once the two reach the hospital, they find a middle-aged man nervously pacing back and forth while Dr. Jones (Ben Kingsley) surveys the damage. Derek introduces himself to the man who calls himself Bronson (Jim Carrey), the owner of Melody Maker Records. Dr. Jones looks at the pictures, horrified by what he sees. He exclaims that her vocal chords have been twisted and mutilated. Bronson asks him if there's any he can do, Dr. Jones says he can try to do surgery, but there's a five percent chance it's successful.
Suddenly, Derek realizes it's the same thing that put Sidney out of action and asks the doctor if any other incidents have occurred. Dr. Jones reveals there have been several. Disturbingly, they've all been female. Realizing something is up, he offers to take up the case, believing someone is sabotaging their careers. Ruby looks at him, a desperate look in her eyes, pleading him to solve the case. Derek promises, asking Bronson to stay by and help take care of her.
At the police department, Derek and Ken compile a list of things they've heard of who folks now refer to as 'The Destroyer of Voices', revealing that he wears all black and covers their face and that they usually come out at night, striking at least once a day. Derek comes to the conclusion that there are three suspects, keeping it secret from Ken. He calls Bronson, telling him they've narrowed it down to three possibilities and invites him to join them.
As Ken drives around San Francisco like a madman, Bronson asks if he can slow down. No can do says Derek, he drives fast and loves it that way. It's why he had his license revoked twice. The joyride ends as the car rams through the gates and nearly crashes into the door of a really large mansion. Derek and Bronson stumble out, the former sarcastically thanking Ken for nearly killing them.
Bronson surveys the area and gets a look of dread on his face. He reveals that this is the mansion of Jessica Diamond (Suki Waterhouse), Ruby's main rival. He calls her a vixen, capable of turning any man to jelly. She first came on the scene several years ago but took off when she married the insanely rich Oswald (Ben Hardy). Speaking of the devil, he comes out to survey the damage when he sees Derek. He enthusiastically welcomes him and invites him in the mansion, giving him a grand tour. Bronson and Ken follow behind just in case.
After the tour, Derek sits on a chair, pondering whether or not he was wrong about Jessica when Oswald gives him a copy of the latest newspaper. Derek stares at the front-page and hands it to Bronson, confirming her place as a suspect. Derek and Oswald sit down, Derek asking if he heard about Ruby's hospitalization. In an insincere tone, Oswald reveals that he has and expresses sympathy for her and their plight, but considers it 'the cruel reality of show-biz'. Derek reminds him of what happened, sending shivers down his spine. Derek questions him on if Jessica had any part in it, only for Oswald to vehemently deny it. Seeing the sweat on his forehead, Derek asks if he can see Jessica, only to be told she's busy and that she'll come out when ready.
Derek tries to press forward, only to be given non-answers and having the topic changed on him. Finally, Derek has enough and accuses him of knowing something they don't, demanding him to fess up. Before Oswald can do anything, another voice chimes in asking what is going on in an annoyed manner. Everyone takes a glimpse upstairs to find Jessica. Oswald explains that he's trying to defend her honor, only for ehr to react in disgust to the fact she's 'having a tea party with two hobos and someone who doesn't see talent'. She then sees Derek's face and flushes in awe. She orders Oswald to send everyone out.
Jessica sits down, priming her hair and being extremely flirty towards Derek. She asks him if she wants to hear her latest single, Derek agrees only if she cooperates afterward. After the song finishes, Jessica seductively walks towards him, asking if she'd like to be a part of her 'Diamond Mine'. To her shock, he rejects, saying that it's hard to be seduced after three failed marriages.
In a panic, Jessica asks Oswald what she should do as it's never happened to her. Derek reminds her of the questions and she cooperates. She reveals that she was rejected by Bronson because of her 'less than stellar singing ability'. Times are changing though. The world of music is becoming less about quality and more about the look. She isn't surprised that she's considered a suspect. Ruby and her have 'personal disagreements' with one another, but assures him she didn't do it. Derek shows her a picture of the suspect and Jessica deflects it to Oswald, saying it looks more like him, only to claim he wouldn't hurt a fly.
Realizing her innocence, Derek bids the two farewell before stopping and offering to let them join the case since they've been 'so hospitable'. They accept, much to Bronson's chagrin and the group head off to find the second of the three subjects. Little do they know, the mysterious man had been lying in wait just in case Jessica were to arrive. Unfortunately for him, Jessica goes to the right of the car, not the left like he intended. He seethes, watching the car drive by.
The car's next stop is an old house not too far from Derek's. He knocks on the door and sees Solomon, pleasantly welcoming him. Derek asks if he can come in, which Solomon accepts. Upon sitting down, the two discuss how life has been. Solomon reveals his retirement, having suffered the loss of his wife and watching younger, brighter musicians take his place. He also used to own a music school prior to his retirement. Derek sympathizes but asks if he can talk about Ruby.
Solomon expresses deep remorse regarding her situation and wishes there was something he could do to help his former pupil. Before Derek can go any deeper, Solomon offers to take him out drinking. It's been sometime since they last spoke after all. Despite his reluctance, Derek agrees, realizing he could get the truth if he goes on a drunken binge.
They soon arrive at Webster's Whiskey, a local bar and they all sit by the bar table. There, they are introduced to today's special, the 'Subzero Supreme', a wine infused cocktail kept as cool as possible. Solomon orders one for everyone. Derek politely refuses, finding it hard to think with alcohol in his stomach. As the night goes on, Oswald makes an announcement declaring this the one year anniversary he met his 'beloved' Jessica and attempts to get through a song, with the help of others.
Once finished, Bronson pulls him aside, trying to discuss Ruby's status, Oswald's tone gets nastier and he defends Jessica with much more gusto than before. The two then agree on a wager. Regardless of what becomes of the case, if Ruby makes it through her surgery, he'll donate half his money to him. If not, he'll buy his recording company. Despite Bronson's protests, Oswald calls it business, forcing him to accept.
1:00 AM EST:
The bartender announces a 'last-call' for the evening. Solomon tries to line everyone up for a final round but Derek stops him, pointing out how drunk everyone is. Solomon claims they're having fun, but the bar closes just before he can order one more drink. As everyone exits, Solomon tells Derek he can walk home. When asked about Ruby, he assures Derek he had nothing to do with it, claiming someone close to another could never stoop to that level. He wishes Derek and the others a good night. Derek does a headcount and finds Ken is missing. He spots Ken and learns he went to get a hamburger since everyone was in the bar.
Derek tells him they'll look for the final suspect tomorrow when they debate what to do with the others. They both decide to take them to his house for the night. Up in his room, Derek takes a good look at the picture of the man and his notes for the final suspect. He sighs, shaking his head.
Early the next morning, everyone wakes up with a massive headache when Bronson smells breakfast. Jessica rushes to the bathroom, claiming to be in terrible condition. Oswald struggles to get up the couch when Ken accidentally scares him. He tells Oswald to hurry for Derek has prepared breakfast. Oswald tells him that he'll be there shortly and to his surprise begins to complain about Jessica. After insisting he go on, Oswald admits she can be a pain to deal with, always wanting everything now and running him ragged. He never tells her cause he knows she could easily run off with his money. Ken encourages him to tell her so she knows.
To their shock, they find Jessica has been listening in on their conversation. Oswald tries to talk his way out of it, but Ken puts it to her bluntly and walks off, letting Oswald deal with it. The two have a short argument that ends with Oswald blowing up in her face and dumping her on the spot. He storms out of the house, leaving Jessica stunned and confused.
At breakfast, Derek reveals that he received an update from Dr. Jones that he's currently undergoing the surgery and should be done at any moment. He claims to have solved the case, but will not reveal who the criminal is. After everyone eats breakfast, they enter in groups for both Derek and Ken's car. During the drive, Derek tells Bronson he found a yearbook of him and Ruby at the same school from years ago. Jessica also asks Ken if she comes off as a brat. He admits she does, she expresses deep regret for how she treated him and admits a lot of her personality is just part of an act. She begins to fear for her future and breaks into tears. Ken calms her down, assuring her that things will be alright.
Inside the hospital, everyone (including Solomon) is led into the room where Ruby's surgery has finished. Ruby stares at everyone, trying to sing an old song. It starts off shaky, but upon finding her voice is back to normal begins to sing with vibrance and joy. Everyone celebrates this triumph only for Derek to remind them that they still need to reveal the person behind this. Solomon offers to do so, a pained expression on his face. He reveals that the 'The Destroyer of Voices' is Ken.
Stunned, Derek asks him to go further. Solomon explains that on his way home, he saw a man with a black coat, he claimed he was on his way for someone by the name of 'Jessica Diamond'. The man told him that he knew he would never be loved by either one, so he felt the world didn't deserve to hear their voices. Derek tries to protest, but everyone seems to agree with the evidence. Dr. Jones gets the police over, watching a panicking Ken beg Derek to do something.
Just as police are about to take him, Ruby speaks out, revealing that Ken is innocent. She reveals that she saw a glimpse of the man's face before she was assaulted and reveals the man behind it is in this room. Jessica looks around, trying to find the person when she sees Solomon behind her back, about to hit her with a crowbar. Ken bolts towards the scene, pushing Jessica out of the way and grabbing the crowbar. He hands it to Derek, who reveals he knew who it was based on the picture.
Seeing no escape, Solomon falls onto the floor, confessing to his actions. He reveals that this had been going on for the last five years, having resented the people who took his spot. He tried to keep up, but to no avail. One day, he decided that if he could no longer perform for the audiences he loved, they didn't deserve to either. This included every student he ever had. Derek expresses his disappointment for going against his work. Solomon spites him, revealing that he used to date Ruby in high school.
Now it's Derek's turn to be shocked as he looks at Ruby who confirms it. She did a lot of thinking when she was in the hospital and after piecing it together tells him they used to live in Boston, both hoping to have careers in music. While Ruby shined in choir, Derek often struggled. On the day, Ruby was signed to Melody Maker records, she realized she needed to end his relationship with him. The rest they say is history. He tried again and failed three times and became a detective.
Derek sits down, taking in everything, floored by it all. He stares at Solomon and thanks him for helping him rediscover her, but that it's no excuse for his actions. He tells police to send him away and Solomon is handcuffed, having accepted his fate a long time ago. Derek looks at Ruby, asking if they can start again. Ruby smiles, accepting the proposal and the two kiss. Upon watching it, Jessica runs out of the hospital, tears in her eyes. Ken follows her and sees her sitting by the hospital door. Seeing how happy Ruby and Derek made her realize what kind of life she could have had with Oswald had she not been such a jerk.
Ken takes her by the hand, maybe things didn't work out with Oswald, but he knows that there's outer beauty in her, even if she doesn't see it yet. He offers to help her see it and she smiles, thanking him for saving her life. Derek comes out of the hospital, asking if Ken wants to join the rest for a trip to Webster's Whiskey. Ken happily accepts and gets in his car, Jessica sitting in the seat beside him. Derek gets in his car, glancing at Ruby and smiling happily, he softly mutters the phrase "Case closed" as he drives his car on the road, the sun shines brightly over San Francisco.
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