This movie is almost like a slow burn, but the wood is wet and it doesn't light up. It's just consistently the same throughout. There is no fluctuation in mood. Everyone is very flat in it. There's an attempt at intrigue perhaps. The characters aren't very character like, they're very much the same people working along side each other. If you like slow movies where not much happens you might enjoy this film. It's easy to follow because there is only about one real act in it. Sure there is the brief setup of the main guy at the start. Then it quickly moves into what I would call the one main act. From there is just one slow stroll until you get to the very end. This ending is rushed, brief and sort of sums up events a little. It then is left open ended where you could conceivably have a sequel even.

Gratifying to see that instead of all the lamenting about the horrible scourge of this particularly sordid evil some are willing to do something about it at great personal risk. Those who have been most directly hurt by the impact of this wickedness on them due to loved ones being victimized by it are motivated to do something about it especially when they have the appropriate skill set and nothing much else to lose. Engaging screenplay and good character development throughout the thickening plot. Slow going pace and the dark somber circumstances are made less depressing by the personal power portrayed by the lead operative.

One of the themes explored in this film was the ungrateful nature of the nation's treatment of its military. This was apparent in the main character Barnes who is dishonorably discharged by a politically correct tribunal.

Barnes is subsequently recruited by a maverick congressman to serve as a hit man in his vigilante program to rid the world of nefarious creatures working in human trafficking involving children. Apparently, the regular law enforcement system has broken down so completely that Rep. Dakota Ambrose now serves as judge, jury, and executioner with help from his little brother Seth and his new recruit Barnes.

The film was successful in developing a multi-layered drama with the congressman even answering to a higher rogue authority. Everyone is beholden to someone else or in someone's "pocket." And everyone seems to be concealing a secret facet of their lives, such as FBI SA Dani and her addiction to alcohol; Seth's attendance at AA meetings; Dakota's true calling that he conceals from his wife Sarah; and Barnes' troubled past as he is haunted by the death of his beloved sister Diane.

There were strong performances from the ensemble cast, especially the actor playing Barnes. There was a disturbing sense a malaise about contemporary American society, and the film captured the gritty realism that Martin Scorsese attempts but rarely succeeds in achieving.