The Guilty (2021) * *

Directed by:  Antoine Fuqua

Starring:  Jake Gyllenhaal, Riley Keough (voice), Ethan Hawke (voice)

Joe Baylor (Gyllenhaal) is a Los Angeles cop on suspension awaiting a trial.   We don't learn until later in The Guilty exactly why Joe is facing charges, but he is hoping to work his last shift as a 911 emergency responder until he receives a call from a woman who may have been kidnapped.  She speaks in a hushed tone and in vague terms about her dilemma.   Joe has to ascertain what's happening and piece together the gravity of the situation through limited evidence.    The woman's daughter is soon involved and potentially in danger.   Joe grows obsessively determined to save the woman and her daughter from what seems like an unhinged ex-husband.

The Guilty takes place (except in slivers) within the confines of the emergency response center with 911 operators working frantically to save lives in the midst of deadly wild fires overtaking the city.   Unlike 2013's The Call, the center doesn't look like it belongs in NASA, but the movie itself draws comparisons to the forgettable 2013 film, which isn't a good thing.   The Guilty centers on a capable and nuanced performance by Gyllenhaal as a man under intense pressure and ready to snap.   He has more burdens on him (mostly caused by his anger) than most, but the character isn't enough to carry the day.   

As much as Fuqua attempts to ratchet up suspense in a limited milieu, there isn't much to be had.   The puzzle involving the kidnapping and Joe's past come into focus, and how much do we find ourselves moved or caring?   Despite the tense Gyllenhaal performance, The Guilty is all for naught.