Tenderness (2009)

Released in 2009, *Tenderness* is a psychological crime thriller adapted from the acclaimed novel by Robert Cormier. The film centers on Detective Cristofuoro, played by Russell Crowe, a semi-retired police officer fixated on unraveling a cold case: the brutal murder of a family. His prime suspect is the enigmatic and violent teenager, Eric Poole (Jon Foster), whose past is shrouded in darkness. The narrative intricately weaves in the story of Lori (Sophie Traub), a vulnerable teenage runaway who becomes dangerously entangled with Eric, falling under his manipulative spell as the detective races against time to expose the truth. John Polson's masterful direction is precisely why *Tenderness* earns its place on a list of his best films. Polson excels at crafting atmospheric, suspenseful thrillers that delve into the darker corners of the human psyche, a skill powerfully evident here. He deftly navigates the complex psychological landscape of Robert Cormier's novel, extracting nuanced performances from his cast – particularly Jon Foster's chilling portrayal of Eric and Sophie Traub's vulnerable Lori – and building palpable tension around Detective Cristofuoro's relentless pursuit of truth. *Tenderness* showcases Polson's signature ability to blend intricate character studies with a gripping narrative, demonstrating his command of a genre that explores moral ambiguity and the disturbing consequences of obsession, making it a significant and compelling entry in his filmography.