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Pearl
R - 2h36m
Drama - Psychological Thriller - Tragedy - Biography
During the ‘War on Crime’ in Gotham City, Thomas and Martha Wayne are shot and killed in front of their son Bruce. Detective James Gordon scrambles to solve the case in the ensuing 48 hours.
Praise for ‘Pearl’
“A spectacular film, truly nothing like it.”
“Makes you gasp, cry, and takes you along for the ride like no other.”
“Those 2 hours make you feel like you're really there for the full 48. A deeply personal look at the War on Crime era and the death of the most prominent family in Gotham.”
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Ray Torro praises ‘Pearl,’ calls it a ‘grueling look’ at Gotham City
Ray Torro praised the newest blockbuster film, ‘Pearl,’ last night, giving it an absolutely glowing review. The man called it ‘guttural, with an absolutely grueling look,’ at Gotham City. Ray Torro is known for his involvement in projects such as ‘That’s the Way’ and ‘The End of Things’.
Pearl- released last weekend- has been a stunning take on a tale well known but never retold before- that of the murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Directed by Alice Willow, the film follows the small family and the almost immediate death of the Wayne parents before following their son Bruce, butler Alfred Pennyworth, and Detective James Gordon in the 48 hours following the murder.
We were able to have the joy of seeing Torro, and Willow interact, where Torro further complimented the work. “We haven’t seen something like this on the big screen in a long time. Wonderfully done.”
It seems like the general public is in agreement with Torro, as ticket sales soar worldwide, making it the most viewed movie in theaters to date. This is a story many have wanted to tell for a long time, only stopped by legal pitfalls set by Wayne lawyers. There is much speculation as to what changed with those circumstances, but audiences now have to extend their appreciation to a story well told.
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Pearl
A new movie featuring the 48 hours following the tragic murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne hits theaters.
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Bruce Wayne
Billionaire Bruce Wayne is being talked about in tandem with new movie ‘Pearl.’
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Alice Willow
Director Willow makes the spotlight for new film ‘Pearl.’
rabbitpunch | @rabbitpunch
omg the tEETH
Jack | @wast3d0ff
Didnt think hed ever let them make a movie abt this tbh
Robin’s #1 Fan | @guppygills
Wait was the guy really never caught? TIL
Hestia | @usernametaken101
Wow i feel bad for guy
Sephie | @soulificent
Dont hes a billionaire
Hestia | @usernametaken101
Billionaires can still have feelings
Ads | @maddogger89
No they cant
Bruce Wayne turns down comment on ‘Pearl’
With the release of ‘Pearl’ we reached out to Bruce Wayne for comment on the movie and the impact both the real events and the retelling of the story have had on his life. When we reached out to proper channels, we were promptly shutdown and told that Mr. Wayne would not be available for comment, today, or in the future, and if he had any interest, he would contact us first and we were not to contact him regarding this manner again.
A harsh turn away.
We must question: why make this story so public if he is so insistent on hiding from it?
One of the questions we had, which it seems we won’t get an answer to- is where was Wayne at the red carpet release. Suspiciously, he and butler Alfred Pennyworth were absent, even though a huge focus of the story revolves around them. Commissioner Gordon was present, as were eldest adoptive children Richard Grayson, Jason Todd, and Cassandra Wayne. This was certainly a family affair, yet father was nowhere to be seen.
Bruce Wayne has spent many years avoiding publicity into the night of his parents death, following up with legal action when those have tried to pursue bringing the story to the light in the past. What makes this time any different? We had hoped to ask Wayne, but alas.
Regardless, Pearl has hit the big screen and with it has come a flurry of even more questions, many that will be left unanswered. Hopefully, Wayne will be available for comment soon and we can gather more insight into this story.
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Pearl | Official Trailer
Sirens wail. A close up of a city, as an aerial shot takes it out until a full overview can be seen.
“This is Gotham,” a voiceover of Gordon.
A theater, with a woman onstage performing, tempo punctuating perfectly as an audience stares captivated.
“So is this,” Gordon’s voiceover.
“C’mon Bruce, we’re going to be late,” Martha Wayne calls out from the foyer as her husband pulls her close and their young son races down the stairs.
“And this,” Gordon’s voiceover.
Cut to black. A ringing gunshot. Then another. A child’s scream.
“Gunshots fired. En route.”
Gordon, holding a coffee cup, crouches next to an ambulance that a young Bruce Wayne sits in the back of, wrapped in a blanket. Gordon looks at him, but young Bruce doesn’t make eye contact.
“We’re going to try and find out who did this, okay son?”
Bruce meets his eyes, his gaze hardens.
“Find him,” he says coldly, before an EMT whisks them away, leaving Gordon alone.
A scene changes to a crowded police station.
“You have 48 hours on this Gordon,” a captain is saying.
Gordon nods tiredly, looking at papers.
Scene change.
“36!”
A board half covered in papers.
Scene change.
A text that reads 24.
Gordon gets out of the car, and raps on a door.
“Do you know anything about-?”
Scene change.
“12!” The captain barks, bumping his desk as he passes and knocking Gordon’s coffee as it falls and soaks his paper. Gordon stands to say something and then sighs.
Cut to a report saying there’s been no news on the Wayne family murder, zooming out to show a TV screen, and a young Bruce Wayne watching it. Alfred Pennyworth steps in and turns it off.
“Master Bruce,” he says softly, “Time for bed.”
Bruce nods as Alfred leaves. Bruce turns to the staircase, showing the yawning darkness above. Before he can take the first step, then a skittering sound, and pearls begin to rain down the staircase. The boy has a look of horror, and then the screen cuts to black.
In pearlescent sheen, the word appears: ‘Pearl.’
Pearl: A decade of achievement
‘Pearl’ has reportedly been a decade in the making. Director Alice Willow confirms that the project was approved eleven years ago and even while minimal special effects and a relatively low budget has been used, the film has taken a long time to get precisely right.
“We wanted to be respectful with this piece,” states Willow, “That was most important to us, and so we took our time with the interviews.”
When asked we were told they interviewed over fifty direct sources for the movie, including people present at the opera that tragic night, over a dozen police officers, five first responders, numerous key witnesses, Commissioner Gordon, butler Alfred Pennyworth, and Bruce Wayne himself.
“One condition with working with Mr. Wayne is that any correspondence would go through Mr. Pennyworth, and that we understood we might not get any interviews,” explains Willow, “He was gracious to allow us two.”
Two may seem like a small thing over the course of eleven years, but the team has insisted that Wayne’s interviews have been invaluable. Every comment they make of Wayne is nothing short of appreciative and seems almost reverent. They had insisted early they wanted to pay this tribute in the right ways, and they built on this further by explaining that they allowed Pennyworth to hire sensitivity monitors that oversaw the entire film's production.
“This was a love letter start to finish,” Willow explains, “We had no intention of depicting anything less than the absolute, brutal, devastating truth.”
And that, it seems, is exactly what they did.
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Pearl Cast Share Behind the Scenes Stories
“Oh so well we filmed in Hollywood, but it was important for us to cast well-” Director Alice Willow laughs, “I’m a Gotham native so it doesn’t sound mean if I say it but-”
“He wanted it to be authentic,” says Milo Bradley- young Bruce Wayne- “so he found us from different major cities across the US.”
“Yes exactly,” Willow agrees, “And we filmed in Hollywood and one of the first scenes we shot was the alley scene and we immediately had a problem with that because the set- it just, wasn’t dirty enough. Hollywood picture perfect could only do so much.”
“So guess what he made us do?” Dave Hedgewood- playing James Gordon- explains- “With almost zero warning we packed everything up, found a shitty alley in LA, and just filmed there. And that became our alley scene.”
“I was so unprepared,” mourns Bradley.
“You did great, kid,” Bryant Pidely- Alfred Pennyworth- approves.
“What other shenanigans were there?” Willow asks.
“This isn’t a shenanigan," Pidaly comments, “But I loved whenever we had done a scene and you would explain a technical piece to us, some lightning or a camera angle. I’ve never been gifted in that, and you would explain it in such a way that it all made sense.”
“Yes,” agrees Hedgewood, “There were those shots when you focused so closely on Gordon’s hands and then it switched scenes and went right over to Bruce’s, that was remarkable.”
“Thank you,” Willow says, “You both did such a great job showing such emotion through your bodies, it’s a hard thing to get right, little things like that.” He looks near the camera, off screen. “Oh, what was your favorite day on set?”
They all looked at each other.
“Had to be when Grayson visited,” Hedgewood remarks, and the other two nod as Willow laughs.
“Yes,” Bradley agrees, “he taught me how to do a hand stand! And he had some great comments.”
“Yes, Dick Grayson was a fine fellow,” Pidely agrees, “It was quite interesting talking to him, I hadn’t expected him to come, but he seemed to care deeply.”
“Sure did,” Hedgewood agreed, “still bummed he didn’t agree to do a cameo.”
“That may have been a bit awkward,” Pidely points out.
Hedgewood laughs.
“Yeah, maybe,” he agrees.
“I think seeing the set was the most remarkable part,” Hedgewood remarks, “The station especially, most of it was shot there, in the station and the yellow lights and the old desk, it had a charm and there was always something to explore. Every person in the room was told to bring something unique to keep on set and so there were little touches of personalization- birthday cards, mittens, pencil sharpeners, things that made it feel like home. I could explore it for hours.”
“The manor was the same, we only had the shell of three rooms but what filled those three rooms was spectacular. We got to see photos of the real Wayne manor and while very different, the themes were very similar,” Pidely comments.
“I think for me this has all just been a wonderful experience,” Bradley pipes up, “Working with so many cool people has been awesome and I really hope I get to do it again!”
“I loved seeing your eyes Hedgewood, when we go through a reading and then we would set down case files in front of you with riddles on them that we expected you to actually solve. It really got you focused and I think set a tone of expectation that the film wouldn't have had otherwise,” Willow shares
“I never finished those riddles.”
“Some were unsolvable on purpose,” Willow admits.
“Are you serious?” Hedgewood complains as he laughs, “Now that’s just unfair.”
“I found Hedgewood first, we had met at a dinner and I had just learned- just prior that week, that Wayne would allow me to make this film. And then I met Hedgewood, we had never met before and I said- ‘I want you to be my Gordon.’”
“I didn’t know what he was talking about,” Hedgewood laughs.
“I didn’t think I was jumping too soon, that it had only been a week and I was picking someone already, I just knew. I knew that he would be my Gordon. And then we made it work.”
“We did,” he agrees, “even though I had no clue what you were talking about at the time.
Alice Willow shrugs.
“We made it work.”
“We did.”
Earning Its Name
Gotham’s newest homegrown film is nothing short of unusual. ‘Pearl’ has left audiences stunned and demanding more, reviewing the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne and the ensuing manhunt for the person who killed them. But what may be most spectacular of all is the scene that earned it its name.
Be warned, spoilers ahead!
When we first get an inkling of the name of the film we see Martha Wayne dressing for the opera, struggling with the clasp of a pearl necklace until Thomas Wayne rounds the corner of the bathroom and helps her with a charming grin. This scene has a subtle blink and you’ll miss it moment, but if you look closely, you’ll notice that like many real pearl necklaces, Martha’s pearls have a knot between each one, holding them securely in place. This is quickly forgotten as the small family leaves for the theater.
Later, as they exit a side door for some air and are accosted, we watch as Bruce Wayne sees his parents be shot in front of him. With a clattering sound, something goes skittering against the cement of the ground. With horrified, round eyes, Bruce views his mother’s pearl necklace, strewn about. But how could this occur, if the strand was protected with numerous knots?
A few scenes later, Bruce Wayne is wrapped in a blanket with first responders and police are on the scene. We get a gruesome shot of Thomas Wayne, still bleeding sluggishly from the stomach, and then Martha. This is where the movie properly earns its ‘R’ rating. Martha has been shot directly in the head, and knocked clean out and scattered against the ground are her teeth. Her pearly whites.
It’s these details, these artistic choices that make ‘Pearl’ as heartbreaking and devastating as it is. It earns its name in a moment, with nothing to take it back and leaving the audience gasping. And in the background you still see a young Bruce Wayne, wrapped in a trauma blanket.
This imagery of pearls and their double meaning makes numerous future appearances throughout the film, tying a grim narrative even thicker together.
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The Pearl Cast Discuss Authenticity
“I knew I wanted to be an actor since I was young but hadn’t really put much thought into it because like- who actually becomes an actor- until I was cast in my first show when I was twenty,” Dave Hedgewood- cast as Detective James Gordon explains.
“My parents were both in film, so I grew up in the industry. I didn’t really see myself becoming an actor, but I hadn’t really explored other options either,” Bryant Pidely- Pearl’s Alfred Pennyworth- shares, “And now I’ve been acting for ages.
“I just have always really liked acting and this was my first chance to do that,” exclaims Milo Bradley- cast as young Bruce Wayne.
“I love that even in such a short time, there are so many different perspectives in ‘Pearl,’” Pidely expresses, “You have Gordon trying to solve the case, but then have his captain who’s breathing down his next and the commissioner breathing down his neck all demanding different things and demanding this either get solved or go away. And then you have Bruce Wayne who’s struggling with the immediate loss of his parents, and Alfred Pennyworth who for all intents and purposes is a butler but has just been named the primary caregiver of this child. It’s a complex minefield of emotions to cover in a movie that’s less than three hours and is set in a 48 time zone.”
“Completely,” Director Alice Willow agrees, “I think that was a challenge of this film- the authenticity. We wanted to do it justice, which was why we were so rigorous with interviews. We held over fifty of them which equated to over five hours of real time. The interviews we went through were longer than the movie we made. And we chose not to make this movie into a documentary style with those interviews either, we did choose to make it a drama purposefully, but we wanted to do so artfully in a way that represented clear choice and authenticity.
“There was hesitation in making it a clear documentary that it would remove some of the emotion and driving force from the story, but then there was also debate that by making it a drama we would be making it a spectacle. Truly, the film couldn't have happened without sensitivity writers and consultants, which were one of Bruce Wayne’s stipulations if this movie was to be made.”
“Sensitivitity writers were employed by the film to help read over, edit, and guide the script, helping indicting when it strayed too far from the original vision of telling the true story of the Wayne family murderers, and were also there on set to help provide direction and support.
“They made sure it was a safe place for me to be on set to,” Bradley explains, “And they didn't let me see any of the really gross or horrible stuff. That was really important to them.”
“It makes it more truthful, this authentic representation,” Hedgewood expresses, “It may not grab your attention in the same way some showy Hollywood spectaculars do, but I think it makes you think and hits every person to the core. It makes you reflect on what it means to be human, and who you are as a person.”
“There was a scene, where I sit with Bradly and Hedgewood, and there’s the three of us in that scene, three generations of actors and there something so profound about making a movie together that represents something larger. That represents a historic event that hasn’t yet been told that we have the privilege to tell,” Pidely expresses. His fellow actors look across and smile at him.
“‘Pearl’ truly is a piece worth seeing, if I do say so myself,” Willow declares.
Dick: Dami’s school called he’s running a low fever
Dick: I picked him up bc Alfred has started dinner prep
Dick: I’m taking him out for a milkshake and then I’ll bring him home
Dick: probably stick around for dinner too
r/TrueFilm
NoirAtNight
Pearl: A film that lets down on its narrative to adequate show how gotham robs its citizens
When I first saw the trailers for Pearl I was ecstatic. The Wayne Family murder is something I have followed extensively since I was a child and something I consider a great passion of mine. I find the fact that the offender was never caught makes the story incredibly poetic and quite powerful. The time period is also fascinating, as it was the height of the War on Crime and this case had high scrutiny and publicity because of it.
That said, I was rather disappointed by the film. I was expecting a gritty noir detective style film that showed the reality of how repeated cases like these burnt out cops and impacted the system we live in. Instead we got a 48 hour thriller that seemed more to race against a clock that didn’t seem to be set for any reason. I understand that the detective Gordon was only given 48 hours to present evidence for the case to move it forward, but it seemed like a cheap ploy to entertain audiences more than anything else.
Police officers worked grueling hours during the War on Crime and I wish this had been focused on more. Many of them had families and loved ones at home- which was briefly touched on with Gordon’s storyline- and had to balance impossible choices to keep the streets safe. By remarking on the Wayne case it took away from some of the reality of the everyday crime going on at the time.
In addition, the Bruce Wayne narrative completely lost me. He hardly acts like a child. I understand he experienced a traumatic event and these were based on first person reports but children follow certain behaviors and young Bruce didn’t display that in this film. It dehumanized him to me and made him feel unrelatable. I didn’t have the time to feel bad for the boy because he was either completely passive or volatile and made him a hard character to sympathize with. Again, I understand he went through severe trauma but at the same time the police were trying to help. His combative nature made the scenes hard to watch and felt disingenuous, though part of that may be due to the fact that this was actor Milo Bradley’s first role. In any case, it was a poorly cast role.
Ultimately, I admire the directors and creators for putting forth this story, lord knows it’s been held back and covered up for too long, but I’m still disappointed with how it was told. I wish this film had focused more on humanizing the police officers and the good work they did during the War on Crime to keep our streets safe from common criminals. That’s why the Wayne case was so unique- they were a high victim profile but were targeted by the common criminal. It’s what the story should have stuck to.
abrahamllong
Hardcore agree. It seemed like they were advertising the fact that this took place during the War on Crime but then largely left the audience to make connections around that themselves. Why advertise it as such a thing if they weren’t going to follow through with it?kylieontop
Idk like u said wayne was pretty traumatized i think the kid who played him did a really good job actually like his parents just died it seemed pretty realistic too merealwetdog
I think your thoughts about the War on Crime are unfounded. They absolutely covered aspects on how the War on Crime affected this case, it’s why the entire 48 hour time limit you seem to think was ridiculous was put onto it. So much crime happened every day in Gotham, including extreme murders, that no one crime could take all of the resources, even when as high profile as the Wayne’s. It’s why Detective Gordon had to work so hard to fight for those 48 hours. Also, I think you missed the part where they were taking an anti War on Crime approach which is hard and complicated when the film you're making is a cop film so it was a nuanced take for sure. But for example there was the scene where Wayne and Pennyworth are talking about justice and what it means and who gets it and how they move forward that really speaks to challenging anti-cop sentiment at the time which also reads right when you look at Martha Wayne’s views on overpolicing before her passing. It seems to me you wanted the piece to be seen as pro-cop when that just obviously wasn’t the angle they were going for.heydown76
Agreeeee wtf the kid act that way. Pissin me off brolightningstorm101
I was also so excited by the trailers but relatively disappointed by the movie. It had its moments for sure, but the 48 hours just seemed too fast paced for me. I know that they said Gordon had that time line and ig that must have been true but surely they were investigating it longer than that, right? I saw it in the news. I know they said the investigation didn’t end there, that was just the main 48 hours but I wish the story had expanded longer past those 48 hours. I just feel like there's so much we’re missing from that story.
Peer Reviews
Critics
Mark Greeves
4/5
Pearl is a magnificent film that instantly sweeps you into the gritty reality of a Gotham city that is riddled with crime. Director Alice Willow does a magnificent job making you feel hopeful as Gordon pushes the case forward even though you know how the story will already conclude. Pearl is well written and has numerous shattering moments that…
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Taylor Watts
3.5/5
Pearl met expectations but did not come to be the blockbuster hit it was promised to be. Hedgeworth’s acting was mediocre, with Gordon hard to connect or sympathize with. His character felt detached from the plot and his motivation for solving the Wayne murders unclear.
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A. Little
5/5
Without a doubt, Pearl is the movie of the year. The repeated imagery of Martha’s pearl necklace and her teeth is placed beautifully throughout the film, showing off the tragic horror this high profile crime really was, with the backdrop of the elegance of it being against the most well known Gotham family. Phenomenally planned and executed.
Bo Paradysh
4.5/5
The first half of ‘Pearl’ is certainly stronger than its latter but it’s a stellar movie all around. Director NAME does an incredible job of getting tensing right, keeping the audience on the edge of the seat with a countdown you know won’t end well. The frequent shifts and perspective as we see the first 48 hours of a young Bruce Wayne adapted are also masterfully crafted with precise care to…
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Audience
Adhash
5/5
Pearl is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It’s what you expect from a detective film with all the angst of a family drama. Hedgewood is so good in it and you can really feel how much he cares both as an actor and as Gordon in the movie. The ending leaves you rattled and wanting more, much how I can only imagine Bruce Wayne feels. There’s something about it that sets you on edge, like…
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Kyle Jenn
2.5/5
Mostly a flop to be honest. The first half is okay but once his parents die it's mid. Just follows a cop failing to catch who did it, not that interesting. Failed to establish the true tension that a thriller strives for.
Mo Haybecks
5/5
I was a baby around the time the Wayne murders happened and seeing it on the big screen is such a shock and has honestly been amazing for this city. You might think the opposite but I think it’s really pulled the city together and reminded each other that we’re here for each other. The Martha Wayne Foundation is doing great things here in the city, including huge overhauls to the foster care and juvenile detention systems and I just think anyone seeing this movie should know that. Other changes include…
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Priya Chen
4/5
Pretty Damn Good.
Pearl and the Wayne Foundation
Pearl at its core is a gritty, dark narrative of death, destruction and never receiving a sense of justice. Bruce Wayne never gets closure for what happened to his parents, Detective Gordon never finds his killer. This is not uncommon in the city of Gotham. In fact, stories like this- stories of children missing their parents, are unfortunately more common than people might realize.
What people may not realize, is that in the wake of the death of Thomas and Martha Wayne, Bruce Wayne has spearheaded the Wayne Foundation to end as much suffering to families in Gotham city as possible. A few things the Wayne Foundation covers: low income housing, food banks, houseless shelters, foster care funding, access to healthcare, and funding of community centers. This is just a small portion of the many, many resources the Wayne Foundation provides, with the sole purpose of making sure children never feel alone again.
But don’t take it from our reporters, take it directly from youth themselves who share how deeply the Wayne Foundation has impacted their lives:
“I was living on the streets before my local community center was built,” shares one anonymous young adult, “Their food pantry and shelter helped support me when I was younger, and when I qualified for their employment program, they took me no questions asked. I have a place now- also through the Wayne foundation- that feels like home.”
“I like going to the libraries for all the books!” shares a young grade schooler, “I’m reading the big books now and they have a lot more words and my mommy says they help take care of me in the afternoon!”
“When I was younger the Wayne Foundation let my mom do drugs as safely as possible. They had a center she could go to and use safely, and it was because of that, she always returned to me. When stricter drug laws were enforced and the place had to shut down- well I lost my mom just a few months later.”
“My foster family and my parents have a lot more support now,” shares one child, “I think they’re a lot happier. I see my dad more, and he isn’t in trouble as much. I’m happier too.”
“The Wayne Foundation holds a special place in my heart,” shares Dick Grayson, “When my parents first died, I was sent to a juvenile detention center because there were no foster homes available. Thanks to Bruce’s efforts, no child faces outcomes like that anymore. I’m proud to call him family.”
Pearl is a piece of this story, the beginning of the Wayne’s Foundation drive and high standard of care for children. This city will always be grateful for how well the Wayne Foundation and Bruce Wayne takes care of it. We hope people think of that when they watch Pearl in theaters, and leave with the reminder that even if the Wayne’s killer was never caught, good change has and will continue to occur in Gotham.
A dark figure at night, dressed in black- the silhouette of a bat man- on top of a tall Gotham building.
“Batman? This is Oracle. We have movement.”
“Give it to me, Oracle.”
“Two workers, spotted on the southside, handling the shipment. Careful, if they drop it-”
“Understood,” he answers gruffily.
And then, a cape spread, a grapple sprung, and a leap into the night.
The Batman springs into action. The night is young.