Roman J. Israel, Esq.
Hard-nosed liberal lawyer Roman J. Israel has been fighting the good fight forever while others take the credit. When his partner – the firm's frontman – has a heart attack, Israel suddenly takes on that role. He soon discovers some unsettling truths about the firm – truths that conflict with his values of helping the poor and dispossessed – and finds himself in an existential crisis that leads to extreme actions.
Critics Sentiment
Roman J. Israel works behind the scenes at Jackson's small law firm
Carter Johnson threatens Roman in jail over the betrayal
The film's steepest decline occurs when Roman transforms from idealistic lawyer to corrupt opportunist, dropping from his workplace conflicts (5.5) to the devastating murder of Ellerbee (4.2).
Roman J. Israel, Esq. begins strongly with critics praising Washington's compelling character work, but stumbles badly in its second half as Roman's moral corruption feels rushed and implausible. The film never recovers from its protagonist's ethical downfall, culminating in a widely criticized abrupt ending that left reviewers feeling unsatisfied with the unearned redemption attempt.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 44
Denzel Washington
Roman J. Israel
Colin Farrell
George Pierce
Carmen Ejogo
Maya Alston
Lynda Gravatt
Vernita Wells
Amanda Warren
Lynn Jackson
Hugo Armstrong
Fritz Molinar
Sam Gilroy
Connor Novick
Tony Plana
Jessie Salinas
DeRon Horton
Derrell Ellerbee
Amari Cheatom
Carter Johnson
Vince Cefalu
Security Bailiff
Tarina Pouncy
Hallway Bailiff
Nazneen Contractor
Melina Nassour
Niles Fitch
Langston Bailey
Jocelyn Ayanna
Court Officer Bailiff
Eli Bildner
Michael Wesley
Robert Prescott
Adam Hilliard
Sedale Threatt Jr.
Jeff
Elisa Perry
Felicity Ellerbee
Andrew Tinpo Lee
James Lee
Crew
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