Watch Man from Reno

Man from Reno is a neo-noir thriller film directed by Dave Boyle, released in 2014. The movie tells the story of Aki Akahori (Ayako Fujitani), a mystery novelist who travels to San Francisco to escape the pressures of fame and to find inspiration for her next book. However, upon arrival, she becomes caught up in a real-life mystery when a stranger she meets named Akira Suzuki (Kazuki Kitamura) suddenly disappears under mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, Sheriff Del Moral (Pepe Serna), a small-town lawman, investigates a case involving a hit-and-run accident on a nearby highway. The two seemingly unrelated stories eventually interconnect, revealing a web of secrets and unexpected twists.

The movie is a homage to classic film noir with a modern, international twist. The plot moves at a measured pace, allowing the story to unfold gradually and build a sense of tension and intrigue. The film's style is understated, with muted colors and evocative shots of the San Francisco Bay Area, adding to the air of mystery and suspense. Man from Reno is a character-driven story that focuses on strong performances from its lead actors.

Ayako Fujitani delivers a nuanced performance as Aki Akahori, a woman grappling with her status as a famous writer and finding solace in the anonymity of a new city. Her character's introspective nature is balanced by her curiosity and determination to unravel the mystery surrounding Akira's disappearance. Pepe Serna brings a quiet intensity to the role of Sheriff Del Moral, an aging lawman with a troubled past. His character's investigation of the hit-and-run case gradually draws him into Aki's search for answers. Kazuki Kitamura's portrayal of the enigmatic Akira Suzuki adds a layer of complexity to the film, leaving the audience guessing as to his true motivations until the very end.

The movie explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Aki Akahori's struggles with her own identity as a writer are mirrored in the character of Akira Suzuki, whose true identity remains a mystery for much of the film. Sheriff Del Moral's own past mistakes and regrets inform his investigation of the case, giving the audience a glimpse into his own struggles with identity and purpose.

Man from Reno is a thoughtful and suspenseful thriller that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. The film's strong performances and atmospheric visuals make it a must-see for fans of the neo-noir genre.

Man from Reno is a 2015 mystery with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 69.