Keanu Reeves Stars in Controversial Cop Thriller ‘Exposed’

Sandra Miska

Keanu Reeves is at it again. This time “The Matrix” hero is starring in “Exposed” as a police detective dealing with the aftermath of his partner’s untimely death. Originally titled “Daughter of God,” the film has garnered publicity for having been disowned by its director, Gee Malik Linton.

After his partner Joey dies under mysterious circumstances, it’s up to Detective Scott Galban (Reeves) to investigate. With Joey’s widow Janine (Mira Sorvino) demanding justice, the pressure is on Scott to uncover the truth. In the process, he encounters disturbing evidence of police corruption.

Meanwhile, Isabel de La Cruz (Ana de Armas), a young woman from a Dominican family, is experiencing strange things after having witnessed a miracle. Armas, a native of Cuba, previously acted alongside Reeves in last year’s thriller “Knock Knock.” The cast also includes Christopher McDonald, rapper Big Daddy Kane and Michael Rispoli.

“Exposed” was filmed in November 2014 in the New York area, primarily in the borough of Brooklyn.

According to reports, “Exposed” was originally supposed to center around the character of Isabel and her family and feature subplots about violence against women and discrimination against members of the African-American and Latino communities. However, the studio that bought the film, Lionsgate, had it edited into a version that revolves around Reeves’ character.

Displeased with the final edit, which cut out many black and Latino characters, Linton, who also wrote the screenplay, sued to have his name removed from the film. Declan Dale, a pseudonym, is credited instead.

Reeves’ part, which was originally intended to be a supporting role, was originally written with Philip Seymour Hoffman in mind.

“Exposed” opens Jan. 22 in select theaters and VOD.