Using multiple video cameras, Brian documents his performance as part of a college homework assignment. Thus, “End of Watch” unfolds through Brian’s eyes, but also in the eyes of people he meets, good and bad, since everyone has a camera these days — and is addicted to sharing videos on YouTube.
Between police calls, Brian and Mike banter about life and dream big, sharing their different cultural backgrounds. Mike is Hispanic, married to his high school sweetheart, Gabby (Natalie Martinez), expecting their first child. He’s a family man, and offers innumerable life lessons and advice to his Anglo partner when Brian falls hard for the academic Janet (Anna Kendrick), and thinks it may be time to put aside his childish ways and settle down.
In the fight for justice, these officers somehow find the inner strength to persevere despite witnessing the barbarism and inhumanity of man. This display of unwavering selflessness in the war against evil gives “End of Watch” a hope-filled Christian edge, even if organized religion plays little part in the actual film.
The film contains pervasive, brutal and gory violence and torture, frequent drug use, premarital sex, same-sex kissing, partial nudity, sexual innuendo, constant profanity, and occasional rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is O – morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
McAleer is a guest reviewer for Catholic News Service.