‘Dead Man’s Wire’ Review: Bill Skarsgård Shines in High-Wire Hostage Drama

Based on true happenings from February 8th, 1977, Dead Man’s Wire follows Tony Kiritsis, who took the president of Meridian Mortgage hostage to prove to the world he was wronged. He used a specific method called “the dead man’s wire” that made sure if anyone made a false move, the trigger of the shotgun would be pulled. Kiritsis’s ultimate plan is to expose how the Hall family has cheated him out of millions and get a sincere apology. Dead Man’s Wire is quite literally a high-wire act of suspense and comedy that is sure to keep you guessing if you do not already know about the events that took place that day. Helmed by a stellar performance by Bill Skarsgård and supported by amazing ensemble performances, the film ends up being a great time. Read our full review for Dead Man’s Wire below. 

Dead Man’s Wire has a truly outstanding cast, especially Bill Skarsgård. This specific Skarsgård is best known for his work in horror films as monsters such as Pennywise and Nosferatu. It was really refreshing to see him in a role like this, a role he completely owns. He perfectly toes the line between being threatening, playful, smart, kinda stupid, and completely set in his beliefs. Glad to see Bill Skarsgård spreading his wings and showing his range. The rest of the ensemble is also super strong, especially Colman Domingo and Dacre Montgomery. Colman Domingo plays the biggest radio host in Indianapolis that Tony Kiritsis is obsessed with and only wants to talk to for most of the film. He plays the two sides of the character perfectly, the charismatic DJ and the nervous citizen talking to the perpetrator of a hostage situation. Dacre Montgomery is also very good. Even though you get a clear idea that he and his family are not great people, you feel bad for him in moments because of how Montgomery plays it. 

The main aspect that stood out to me in Dead Man’s Wire was how agnostic it is towards who the heroes and villains are in the story. It is clear that the film in the end wants you to side with Tony Kiritsis, yet it does not shy away from what he did and how that may have psychologically affected his victim. I actually found this to be very refreshing, because though Tony does end up being a symbol of the working class versus money-hungry corporate corruption, it still tries to have some honesty about what went down that day. Feels very mature, like it comes from a place of actual care to accurately depict this scorned man. Reminding us that his actions may have been done with good intention but were still wrong. It does not flatten what happened to make his actions more digestible. I really ended up feeling a mixture of sadness and inspiration. This is the perfect kind of story to bring to the big screen, and Gus Van Sant did the story justice. 

Dead Man’s Wire was directed by Gus Van Sant and stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Myha’la, Cary Elwes, and Al Pacino. The film was released on January 16th.

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