Renowned author Stephen King publicly praised the Ben Affleck crime thriller The Town, calling it his second favorite film of 2010 and singling out Affleck’s unique perspective on Boston’s darker side. Set in Boston and released in 2010, the film quickly earned acclaim not just from audiences and critics, but also from figures such as King, helping cement Affleck’s place among notable film directors.
King’s assessment of the film, which was featured in an Entertainment Weekly roundup, stood out that year because it placed The Town above well-known movies like Inception and The Social Network. Although he considered the film’s title weak, King insisted its content was exceptional.
“Affleck understands the sad and seedy underclass of Boston … in a special way,”
Stephen King, Author.
Plot Focuses on Boston Bank Robbers and Complex Relationships
Affleck directed, co-wrote, and starred in The Town, which centers on a crew of bank robbers operating in Boston’s Charlestown area. The drama intensifies as Affleck’s character, the leader, becomes romantically involved with Rebecca Hall’s bank manager character—the same person his gang once held hostage to learn what she revealed to the FBI. This tangled relationship destabilizes the group, leading up to a tense, high-stakes final heist.
Stephen King offered further insight into the movie’s impact and atmosphere.
“For a movie that ends with a gaudy blast of gunfire, it’s a strangely intimate film,”
Stephen King, Author. He went on to characterize the narrative’s central romance as an odd but compelling driver:
“and the situation that drives the plot (professional bank thief falls in love with hostage) is simultaneously sweet and weirdly kinky,”
Stephen King, Author.
Affleck’s Directorial Growth and ‘The Town’s’ Enduring Status
Affleck’s shift from actor to director was highlighted by the success of The Town, which arrived just after his 2007 debut with Gone Baby Gone and before his 2012 Oscar-winning thriller Argo. This period marked a surge in Affleck’s creative output and critical recognition as a filmmaker who could transition seamlessly between genres.
Commercially, the film was successful, grossing $154 million worldwide compared to its $37 million budget. The Town also earned multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nod for Jeremy Renner’s supporting performance. With a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie continues to be regarded as a modern classic among gritty heist films.
Since The Town, Affleck has directed only two other features: 2016’s prohibition-era drama Live By Night and 2023’s Air, which explores the beginnings of Nike’s Air Jordan brand. Despite their marketing and subject matter, neither film matched the excitement or response generated by The Town and Argo in the film community.
Why ‘The Town’ Stands Out in Modern Cinema
Stephen King’s endorsement spotlighted not just Affleck’s talents but the wider appeal and influence of The Town within the thriller genre. The film effectively combined a tense crime plot, moral ambiguity, and distinctive Boston atmosphere, elements that continue to inspire filmmakers and attract audiences. As both a successful box office draw and a critically lauded entry in modern cinema, the Ben Affleck crime thriller maintains its relevance and sets a standard for future heist stories.
