Narc (2002)

"Narc" (2002) plunges viewers into the grimy, morally ambiguous world of Detroit's drug enforcement. When an undercover narcotics officer is killed and the investigation hits a dead end, the department reluctantly calls back Nick Tellis (Jason Patric), a disgraced former narc haunted by the accidental shooting of a pregnant woman. He's partnered with Henry Oak (Ray Liotta), a volatile and fiercely loyal cop with a reputation for skirting the law, and a personal connection to the deceased. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of junkies, dealers, and dirty cops, with each lead they uncover bringing them closer to the truth, and more often than not, to another dead body. "Narc" earns its place among Joe Carnahan's best films due to its gritty realism, powerhouse performances, and morally complex narrative. Unlike many police procedurals, "Narc" avoids easy answers and simplistic hero-versus-villain dynamics. Carnahan masterfully crafts an atmosphere of palpable tension and desperation, highlighting the psychological toll of undercover work and the compromises officers make in the name of justice. Ray Liotta's terrifying and nuanced portrayal of Henry Oak is a career highlight, further solidifying Carnahan's reputation for extracting phenomenal performances from his actors. The film's unflinching portrayal of corruption and the devastating consequences of violence, combined with Carnahan's signature stylistic flair, make it a standout in the crime genre and a testament to his directorial prowess.