Before TV shows, there used to be films turning into franchises for the long term, which is quite rare these days.
10 Days of a Bad Man is among the exceptions. It follows the March 2023 Netflix release, 10 Days of a Good Man, which I called a mixed bag in my review.
However, that doesn’t stop the continuation of the story. Sadik leads another case on the backdrop of a personal tragedy.
Obviously, the title is a figurative representation of the lead protagonist. He doesn’t turn evil or start doing misdeeds. They have taken the essence out of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Netflix describes 10 Days of a Bad Man as a gritty crime movie. Here’s my review.
10 Days of a Bad Man Movie Synopsis
Having solved Tevfik’s case, Sadik is assigned a task by “Sir” to find another missing person. Simultaneously, he receives the job to solve a murder mystery.
Will he be able to succeed? If yes, what would he lose or find on the way?
Based on the novel by the same name by Mehmet Eroglu, 10 Days of a Bad Man is directed by Uluc Bayraktar and stars Nejat Isler (Sadik), Riza Kocaoglu (Zeynel), and Ilayda Akdogan (Pinar) in lead roles.
What Works for 10 Days of a Bad Man?
In a film that hinges on the detective’s pursuit of cases, the plotting of elements is paramount.
10 Days of a Bad Man manages this aspect adeptly, elevating the narrative from its predecessor.
While it may not align with traditional detective films, the plot is notably enhanced from where it stood five months ago.
Moreover, this time around, the filmmakers opt for depth. Rather than skimming the surface, they invest in character development and a more holistic storytelling approach.
The result is a narrative that resonates on multiple levels, exploring the intricacies of the characters’ lives and the broader idea.
They don’t do it for everyone, but at least the protagonist gets a backstory buildup.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a murder mystery injects a sense of engagement into the storyline.
As Sadik grapples with complex investigations, the audience is drawn into the enigmatic world of crime-solving.
The mystery element keeps viewers intrigued and invested in the unfolding events. I doubt its prospects had the murder angle not been there.
Also, the sequel boasts a more robust screenplay, with well-crafted elements that drive the narrative forward.
These elements serve as the backbone of the film, ensuring a captivating viewing experience.
10 Days of a Bad Man strikes a balance between plot progression and character exploration, keeping you glued.
Again, please note that it isn’t perfect but a better representation than the predecessor.
How are the Performances?
Nejat Isler as Sadik continues his proficiency. Sadik’s rough and nonchalant demeanor becomes the film’s standout feature, and Isler portrays it with conviction, cementing his status as the quintessential “cool old guy” who remains unfazed even when everything goes awry.
Ilayda Akdogan plays Pinar and surprises you with her crafted acting skills. She is a surprise package in all honesty.
Her sweet yet sharp countenance is what was needed to keep the movie on track.
Riza Kocaoglu is honest as Zeynel. He has a subdued role, not allowing him to break the shell. Still, he comes out on top.
What Doesn’t Work for 10 Days of a Bad Man?
I felt that the movie was slow-moving for the crime or detective genre. Well, the solution is you can watch it at 1.25x, and bang, it’s game on.
Another downside, in my opinion, is the restricted writing. Maybe, they went with the book’s idea of focusing on each case simultaneously yet distinctively.
It would have been good had they been quick to transition between the two. Switching quickly between cases would have enhanced the pace as well.
One final thing I would call out is the execution of the idea. 10 Days of a Bad Man lacks high-level intrigue.
Yes, I said earlier it is engaging, but that’s only if you want to watch it in its entirety.
When you go on and compare the movie with some other detective creations, you’ll realize 10 Days of a Bad Man stands hardly anywhere.
Should You Stream or Skip 10 Days of a Bad Man?
There’s no straightforward answer to this question. You will like it more if you have watched the first part.
But that doesn’t mean you cannot watch it if you are new to the franchise. They have framed the tale in a way that fresh viewers can also enjoy.
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