Greetings again from the darkness. "A gritty thriller" is a frequently used description that, when heard or read, typically elicits red flags from this movie watcher. However, exceptions to the rule are welcome and writer-director Nick Rowland (CALM WITH HORSES, 2019) has delivered just that with this adaptation of Jordan Hopper's 2017 novel. The screenplay is co-written by SUPER DARK TIMES (2017) collaborators Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski.
Eleven-year-old Polly (a remarkable Ana Sophia Heger, "Life in Pieces") is lounging in the park, waiting for her beloved mother to pick her up after school. The minutes roll by until the final teacher departs, leaving Polly with no way home. Polly's observant and intense blue eyes follow a speeding car as it pulls up near her. She recognizes the father she hasn't seen over the years he's been in prison. He exerts pressure on her to get in the car, despite her reticence. Nathan (Taron Egerton, ROCKETMAN, 2019) has a buzzed head, a chiseled physique, and a tatted-up body. His appearance is unquestionably frightening to the young girl.
Polly notes the car is stolen and that Nathan is wearing her stepdad's hoodie. When they check into a motel, we all assume she's been kidnapped. As dad naps, Polly sees a TV news report depicting the murder of her mother, her own kidnapping, and the key suspect ... dear old dad. There is plenty of familiar territory covered as the two go on the lam, trying to avoid the police and 'Steel', the Aryan faction that is seeking revenge on Nathan's disloyal actions in prison. A "Green Light" (hit) has been issued for Nathan and his family, including Polly. It turns out Nathan is actually trying his best to protect her.
Cinematographer Wyatt Garfield (A DIFFERENT MAN, 2024) works wonders with the New Mexico landscape, as well as the intimate scenes that follow. We feel the tension and danger thanks to the camera work and the developing bond between Nathan and Polly. There's the mandatory car chase scene and at least three shootouts, the last of which is quite impressive. We also get good cop versus bad cop. Crusading detective John Park (Rob Yang, THE MENU, 2022) wants nothing more than to shut down the local meth lab known as Slab Town, while corrupt and menacing Sheriff Houser (FARGO's John Caroll Lynch playing against type) relishes his opportunities to torture and wield power.
Despite the familiar territory covered ... and the similarity in style to the outstanding Taylor Sheridan film, HELL OR HIGH WATER (2016), there is plenty here to keep our attention and justify the 'gritty thriller' description. Redemption is often beyond reach for some, but the effort means a great deal.
Opens August 1, 2025.
