She Rides Shotgun

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.

Ana Sophia Heger is why this movie was great. A child actor hasn't impressed me this much since Tatum O'Neil in Paper Moon, and she won an Oscar. Ana deserves one too.

She spoke volumes without any dialogue. I a single facial expression I got trapped, hopeful, sad, and confused.

For those that see this movie just watch her at the end when the credits start rolling.

Taron also put in a stellar performance, far from the average acting as Eggsy in Kingsman. I'm glad to see he's grown.

Wow, what an excellent movie.

If one wants to see a powerful acting duo exhibiting unconditional dad-and-daughter love, this movie shows it. Regardless of the other "Variables" involved, Polly's dad is a hero. Polly, played by Ana Sophia Heger, makes me wish there was a junior category at all the award shows. Maybe some offer it and they should! The chemistry Polly had with her dad Nate, played by Taron Egerton, is insane. Talk about these two actors going through all the emotions: anger, happiness, sadness, scare, fear, hope, anguish...the list never stopped, and these two actors delivered in spades! It is great to see a big, full cast, all working, and contributing to an excellent movie.

The whole cast was fantastic, from the leads, to supporting, to short parts, to one-line parts, to non-speaking parts. Each actor made a contribution to creating a great story. Some of the supporting actors are incredibly accomplished actors! Which, for me, is so necessary in these types of drama, action, thriller movies. Especially when relating to the law and police. Good acting is essential to selling me on these roles. The characters and the cast delivered.

Tons of great issue(s) that exist today are going on.

One thing is for sure, to see that heroes are inside and outside prison, some in law enforcement roles and some not. As well as some bad people in prison and outside it in law enforcement roles and some not. Power corrupts. So it was excellent for someone in law enforcement actually thinking of justice.

The music was fantastic.

The location is authentic, not saying it's this state in the USA, but then filmed in some foreign country. Rather, it was filmed in Albuquerque and Zia Pueblo, New Mexico. I've been to the former. One cannot fake these regions by going to some foreign country just for "credits" AKA money. Rather do the location(s) justice. This vibe comes off in the movie, it is the location(s) they are talking about. I read over 400 New Mexicans were employed for this movie! That is an excellent job.

I don't want to give too many spoilers away.

Taron Egerton as Nate gave an Oscar-quality performance, an Oscar-winner.

There is some strong violence, heavy scenes. But actually, I cried more in this movie than any movie in recent times. Seeing such a great dad-and-daughter relationship (granted major issues going on) blew me away--that unconditional love only a parent can have for their kid(s) is one of the world's greatest gifts! There is no one more instrumental in a child(ern) life than parent(s).

I struggled with the ending, but it was more realistic and authentic than the more sentimental one I wanted!

The beginning, middle and ending of this movie were fantastic.

While the acting skills of the leads make this film, the other elements of the production are pretty solid, too. Taron Egerton's always believable performance is so strong that one can wonder why he has yet to have a bigger career. Child actor Ana Sophia Heger more than holds her own with an emotionally devastating portrayal. The action scenes work, the suspense is sustained, and the villain is seriously evil. A few lines of dialogue are clunky, but this is otherwise a first-rate thriller anchored by two astounding performances.

A little girl's typical after-school day turns chaotic when her estranged father picks her up instead of her mother. On the run, the father-daughter duo must do whatever is necessary to stay alive.

This movie can go either way, depending on the viewer. The story is about the lengths a father will go to keep his child safe. The details and backstory are left extremely vague, leaving viewers wondering. There is some action and some thrills that make the two-hour runtime go by. With the lack of depth in the story and the sporadic action and thrills, this movie is worth a stream.