Tommy Lee Jones Plays a Greedy Attorney in This Tense John Grisham Thriller

An adaptation of John Grisham’s bestselling thriller novel, 1994’s “The Client” is a gripping saga that delves into themes of struggle, revenge, and death. The film centers around a dark and chilling storyline in which children are pursued by the mob after witnessing a mob attorney’s suicide. Tommy Lee Jones takes on the role of a greedy attorney more interested in fame than the safety of the boys, while Susan Sarandon portrays the lawyer defending the children. The film presents elements of southern gothic horror, turning the children’s experience into a grim fairy tale where they are hunted by monstrous figures.

The film stars Susan Sarandon, Mary-Louise Parker, Will Patton, Kim Coates, and Anthony LaPaglia. It also introduced Brad Renfro as the child actor in the lead role. “The Client” was a box office success, grossing $117 million and garnering favorable reviews. Despite this, it has not remained as popular as other Grisham adaptations from the ’90s, such as “The Firm” and “The Pelican Brief,” which featured A-list talents like Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, and Tom Cruise.

“The Client” opens with a literal bang. Young brothers Mark (played by Brad Renfro) and Ricky Sway defy their mother’s warnings and play in the woods near their Memphis home. Their adventure takes a dark turn when they witness a drunken man attempting to kill himself. This man, W. Jerome Clifford, is a mob lawyer who, in his desperation, tries to take the boys with him after revealing the location of a murdered senator’s body. Mark narrowly escapes, but the trauma sends Ricky into a coma. The mob soon targets Mark, hoping to silence him before he can reveal any secrets.

U.S. Attorney Roy Foltrigg, played by Tommy Lee Jones, competes with the mob in trying to extract information from Mark about the senator’s body. Roy employs unethical methods, including threatening Mark with jail and failing to inform him of his right to an attorney. Mark hires Reggie Love, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, a shrewd lawyer who staunchly defends him against Roy’s manipulative tactics while combating the rampant sexism around her. The mob escalates the tension by sending assassin Paul Croke to eliminate the boys.

Jones revels in his role as Roy, depicting him as a bombastic politician who frequently quotes the Bible in his speeches. Roy’s gluttony and hunger for fame shine through Jones’s performance, adding layers to his character. His interactions with Mark are especially unsettling, as Roy, accompanied by his equally conniving team, preys on the boy’s innocence.

The performances in “The Client” add significant depth to the narrative. Reggie Love, played brilliantly by Susan Sarandon, offers a portrayal of perseverance as she faces off against wealthy, corrupt men. Sarandon’s character, a recovering alcoholic who has lost custody of her children, finds redemption in her role as Mark’s protector, blending tenderness with fierce determination.

Newcomer Brad Renfro gives a standout performance in his film debut. Discovered after being recommended by his D.A.R.E. officer, Renfro impresses as the defiant and resourceful Mark Sway. His real-life background adds authenticity to his portrayal of a boy hardened by his circumstances. Renfro’s performance is marked by a maturity rarely seen in child actors, contributing to the film’s intense and somber tone.

Despite its initial success, “The Client” deserves to be remembered alongside other prominent Grisham adaptations. The film’s atmosphere, amplified by the performances of Sarandon and Jones, maintains a suspenseful and dark tone throughout. Sarandon’s Reggie Love acts as the emotional and moral compass of the story, making her clashes with Jones’s Roy a highlight.

Sarandon was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in “The Client,” although she didn’t win. She would go on to win an Oscar the following year. “The Client” stands out as an engaging legal thriller and a story of survival and justice, marked by the poignant performances of its leading actors.

“The Client” is available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S.

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