Brick is a neo-noir mystery film directed by Rian Johnson and released in 2005. The film follows Brendan Frye, a high school loner played by Joseph-Gordon Levitt, as he investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend Emily. Emily had left Brendan a cryptic message before she vanished, and Brendan becomes increasingly obsessed with solving the mystery of her disappearance.
As Brendan delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers a complex underworld of teenage drug dealers, corrupt school administrators, and violent thugs. The film's dialogue is heavily influenced by hardboiled detective novels, and the characters speak in a distinct and stylized manner.
Brendan must navigate this world of danger and deceit with the help of a few allies, including the enigmatic femme fatale Laura, played by Nora Zehetner. As he gets closer to the truth, Brendan realizes that Emily's disappearance is connected to a larger criminal conspiracy that puts his life in danger.
The film features a standout performance by Levitt, who gives a nuanced and intense performance as Brendan. The supporting cast includes Zehetner, Lukas Haas, and Matt O'Leary, who all give strong performances. Johnson's direction is visually striking and atmospheric, making great use of the film's high school setting to create a unique and unforgettable world.
Overall, Brick is a stylish and exciting film that blends classic noir tropes with a modern sensibility, creating an original and memorable mystery that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.