Directed by Nick Rowland (Calm with Horses), based on the screenplay by the book author Jordan Harper, Ben Collins & and Luke Piotrowski, this is an action-packed film from beginning to end. The story is about newly released ex-con Nate McClusky (Taron Egerton, Rocketman), who is clearly on the run from someone or something, and suddenly reappears to see his 11-year-old daughter Polly (Ana Sophia Heger, Things Heard & Seen).
When Nate arrives in front of her school as if he is driving on the largest racetrack available, the audience can predict that Polly’s life is going to change radically. The performance of both Egerton and Heger is so captivating that it is difficult to turn away from the screen. Nate wants to be a protective father because of his current situation, but is clueless given the harsh life he has lived. Polly is bright and strong yet so vulnerable as she finds herself immersed in the world of crime, drugs, and unimaginable violence no one should witness. The violence associated with this story is brutal to watch, though. If anyone has seen a film about the criminal/drug world and consequences, know that the film contains plenty of scenes of violent enforcement. The scenes are effective in making the audience fear for the child’s safety.
Nate’s efforts to leave the underworld are difficult since he lacks reliable friends or allies, and of course, funds. He finds a little help from Charlotte (Odessa A’zion, Pools, Hellraiser), though that soon creates more problems. There is plenty of corruption in this story, as the drug lord of the meth compound happens also to be the head of local law enforcement, Houser (John Carroll Lynch). These actors are both very compelling and convincing as their characters in the film, although A’zion’s scenes are somewhat limited. Also effective is Rob Yang as John Park, a law enforcement officer not on the payroll, who sees the bigger picture in addressing what is happening in the region. He sees the bond that Nate and Polly have and offers Nate an option to help him reach his goal of keeping his child safe. This film may sound like another crime thriller, but watching both Egerton and Heger (“Life in Pieces” TV series) in their scenes is something not to be missed.
Additional Cast: David Lyons, Kiko Sanchez, Santiago Segura, among others
Produced by: Brad Weston, p.g.a., Collin Creighton, Nate Matteson, Hiro Murai, and Taron Egerton
Executive Produced by: Ken Kao, Josh Rosenbaum, Teddy Schwarzman, John Friedberg, Walter Parkes, Laurie Macdonald, Alexis Garcia, Chris Rice, Christopher Slager, and Graham Taylor
The film has a limited theatrical release in Austin starting August 1st, 2025.
Source: Lionsgate