Knuckeball is a well-executed thriller unafraid to embrace is violent darkness or put its child lead in peril. Brutal, bloody, and full of surprises, this one is a flawed but entertaining ride.

Ironside... excellently exudes an old-man smell and no-nonsense-allowed temperament.

While you're watching, helmer Michael Peterson effectively earns suspension of disbelief with stark atmospherics, solid performances and a persuasive escalation of panic.

A story of secrets and cruelty carefully crafted to accentuate the thrills and not the plot holes.