Easy’s Waltz Review: Vince Vaughn Shines in Nic Pizzolatto’s Vegas-Set Directorial Debut

“Easy’s Waltz”, the feature directorial debut of Nic Pizzolatto (True Detective), trades gritty crime investigations for a more low-key, character-driven story set in the neon haze of Las Vegas. At its center is Lou “Easy” Evans (played by Vince Vaughn), a lounge singer with limited vocal talent but an abundance of swagger, charm, and flash. Easy isn’t chasing superstardom; his dream is modest — to stop scraping by and live with a bit of dignity. But in a city built on false hope and fleeting luck, even small dreams can feel out of reach.

Easy’s world revolves around tiny bars, dingy casinos, and downbeat lounges, where he turns upbeat classics by Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, and Pat Benatar into aching ballads. His brother Sam (Simon Rex), who doubles as his manager, is less reliable — always scheming for quick cash and falling into shady entanglements, particularly after meeting Lucy (Kate Mara), a woman with connections of her own.

Their fortunes change when Mickey Albano (Al Pacino), a Vegas power player, takes an interest in Easy. Mickey sets him up with a residency at the Wynn, but as with everything in Vegas, the deal comes with strings attached. Soon, personal betrayals and professional risks pile up, pushing Easy and Sam deeper into Mickey’s orbit, where one wrong move could be dangerous.

The film thrives on Vince Vaughn’s heartfelt performance, which balances hangdog charm with unexpected vulnerability. Easy is no caricature — Vaughn portrays him as a flawed but endearing dreamer, someone who can turn “The Little Drummer Boy” into the saddest song in the world. His performance grounds the film even as Pizzolatto occasionally indulges in tonal mismatches, swinging between quirky Vegas comedy and darker crime-drama tension.

Al Pacino delivers a sharp supporting turn as Mickey, effortlessly mixing menace with charisma, while Simon Rex leans into his chaotic energy as the unreliable brother. Kate Mara provides a softer, grounding presence amid the swirl of schemes and betrayals.

Where Easy’s Waltz falters is in pacing and tone. The plot doesn’t truly kick into gear until well past the halfway mark, and Pizzolatto sometimes overshoots in his stylistic flourishes — like staging Easy’s songs in overly dramatic black and white. Still, the film eventually finds its rhythm, especially once Easy’s unlikely rise collides with Sam’s reckless choices and Mickey’s simmering threats.

Ultimately, Easy’s Waltz is less a gritty Vegas crime tale and more a bittersweet character study, anchored by Vaughn’s strongest performance in years. It may wander, but it captures the contradictions of Las Vegas — a city where optimism can be both a lifeline and a liability.

Grade: B-

Easy’s Waltz premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.