Sean Connery delivers a performance that plays to his strengths – authoritative, dignified, yet capable of vulnerability when his character’s family becomes endangered. As Detective Tanny Brown, Laurence Fishburne provides a powerful counterpoint to Connery’s academic certainty, bringing a world-weary intensity to a lawman who knows there’s more to the case than meets the eye. The scenes between these two actors crackle with tension as they circle around the truth from opposite perspectives.

The film’s screenplay, adapted from John Katzenbach’s novel, is particularly clever in how it manipulates audience sympathies. Just when viewers think they understand the dynamics at play, new information forces them to reevaluate everything they’ve seen before. The story raises interesting questions about the death penalty and the nature of justice, but wisely avoids becoming preachy about either topic.

Where “Just Cause” really distinguishes itself is in its third act, when it transforms from a methodical legal drama into a full-blown thriller. This shift might feel jarring to some viewers, but it’s actually set up quite carefully throughout the film’s earlier scenes. The swamp-set finale, while perhaps a bit over-the-top, provides a visceral payoff to the more cerebral buildup.

The film also benefits from its strong supporting cast. Ed Harris is memorably unhinged as the manipulative killer Sullivan, while Blair Underwood brings layers of complexity to Bobby Earl. Ruby Dee appears in a small but crucial role as Bobby Earl’s grandmother, bringing gravity to every scene she’s in. Kate Capshaw, as Armstrong’s wife Laurie, elevates what could have been a standard “worried spouse” role into something more substantial.

From a technical standpoint, “Just Cause” is well-crafted, with James Newton Howard’s score effectively underlining both the procedural elements and the more suspenseful sequences. The cinematography by Lajos Koltai makes excellent use of the Florida locations, contrasting the harsh fluorescent lighting of the prison scenes with the murky, natural danger of the Everglades.

Looking back from today’s perspective, “Just Cause” feels both of its time and oddly relevant to contemporary discussions about justice reform and wrongful convictions. While some of its plot twists might seem familiar to modern audiences raised on true-crime documentaries and podcasts, the film’s exploration of how truth can be manipulated and justice perverted remains powerful.

The film’s weaknesses primarily lie in some of its more melodramatic moments and a few plot points that strain credibility. However, these are minor issues in what is otherwise a taut, well-executed thriller that makes good use of its talented cast and atmospheric setting.

“Just Cause” may not have achieved the classic status of some other 1990s legal thrillers, but it remains a solid entry in the genre that deserves rediscovery. It’s a reminder of a time when mid-budget, star-driven adult thrillers were a regular part of Hollywood’s output, and when a film could take its time building tension before delivering its payoff. For fans of legal dramas, southern gothic thrillers, or simply those who appreciate watching great actors sink their teeth into meaty roles, “Just Cause” offers plenty to enjoy and discuss.

Whether viewed as a time capsule of 1990s thriller filmmaking or simply as an engaging story well told, “Just Cause” demonstrates how effective the combination of strong performances, atmospheric direction, and clever plotting can be. It’s a film that reminds us that sometimes justice isn’t just about what’s right and wrong – it’s about what’s hidden beneath the surface, waiting to emerge from the depths.