Is Juror #2 based on a true story? Explained
Juror #2, Clint Eastwood's latest directorial venture, tells the story of a staff writer and journalist who finds himself on a jury in a high-profile murder trial. The twist in the plot is that the journalist finds the details of the murder familiar—to the extent that he realizes he might have committed the murder.
No, the movie is not based on a true story. Scriptwriter Jonathan Abrams told Deadline that he came up with the idea of the script while serving as a consultant to a friend who is a prosecutor. He helped add finishing touches to his opening and closing arguments.
Abrams was in court watching the jury selection process when the seed of Juror #2's plot was planted in his mind. He noticed that every potential juror was trying to be excused by the judge. He asked himself what would qualify as a good excuse. What if a potential juror identified themselves as the perpetrator?
Abrams said:
"That was the spark, 'What if you were called for jury duty for a murder you committed?' and from there I explored every possible iteration of that premise before settling on the story of a relatable everyman who just wants to do the right thing ... but at what cost to himself and his family?"
Juror #2 is not based on a true story
Although the process of jury selection inspired the events, the story is not true. Juror #2 is Clint Eastwood's 40th directorial venture.
The courtroom drama revolves around the moral dilemma faced by recovering alcohol and journalist Justin Kemp who finds himself as a juror on a case. Initially, the events in the case seem familiar to him, until he realizes he might have committed the crime.
The case involved the death of Kendall Carter, who was found dead under a bridge. The previous night she was spotted by eye-witnesses having a heated argument with her then-boyfriend, James Sythe, at a local bar.
Unfortunately, not only was Kemp present at that same bar, but he also thought he hit a deer on the same road where the crime was committed.
Eastwood focuses on Kemp's prickling conscience as he grapples with conflicting emotions and a moral dilemma—should I turn myself in and destroy my career and family or should I convict an innocent man for a crime I committed?
Compounding his conflict is the fact that his wife Allison/Ally is pregnant after miscarrying her first child and that the county prosecutor on the case, Faith Killebrew, is using this case to become a district attorney.
Where to stream Juror #2?
Juror #2 made its world premiere at the closing night of the American Film Institute Festival on October 27, 2024, before releasing in select theatres on November 1, 2024.
On December 20, 2024, the legal thriller was exclusively available on Max. A subscription to the streaming service can be obtained directly on their website at $9.99 per month for an ad-supported plan. For a plan with no commercials, the monthly fee is $16.99.
Residents of the US can also obtain a Max, Hulu, and Disney+ bundle for $16.99 per month.
The cast of Juror #2
The star-studded ensemble of Juror #2 includes Nicholas Hoult playing the role of the titular character Justin Kemp, Toni Collette playing the role of Faith Killebrew who has eyes for the DA's office, and Chris Messina as Eric Resnick, the public defender who represents the accused, Sythe.
Other cast members and their respective characters of Juror #2 are:
- J. K. Simmons as Harold Chicowski, a former homicide detective and juror
- Zoey Deutch as Allison/Ally, Justin Kemp's wife
- Gabriel Basso as James Sythe, the accused
- Francesca Eastwood as Kendall Carter, the one who was murdered
- Kiefer Sutherland as Larry Lasker, Justin Kemp's Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor
- Cedric Yarbrough as Marcus King
- Adrienne C. Moore as a juror
- Leslie Bibb as a jury foreperson
Juror #2 is now available to stream on Max.
