Blood for Dust

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Andrew L A lot of style over substance. Doesn’t quite reach the level. For instance, the final scene showing the photocopy of the drivers license, wasn’t a surprise. A little too moody, and not quite clever enough. A decent watch nonetheless Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/15/25 Full Review Audience Member This was a good thriller with a few surprises...Especially since the.main character was a sales man lol....but the story was not good..the Picture quality was good (NOT Dohdoh Certified 💥 Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/24/25 Full Review Hadi K "Blood for Dust," directed by Rod Blackhurst, stars Scoot McNairy, Kit Harington, and Josh Lucas in a gritty neo-noir thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of America’s economic despair. The story follows Cliff (McNairy), a struggling salesman, who gets entangled in a dangerous partnership with Ricky (Harington), a charismatic but morally ambiguous figure involved in illicit trade. As the stakes escalate, Cliff is forced to confront his own desperation and moral boundaries. The film explores themes of survival, greed, and the cost of ambition without succumbing to overt melodrama. The performances are the film's strongest asset. Scoot McNairy delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man teetering on the edge of collapse, capturing both vulnerability and quiet resilience. Kit Harington surprises with his menacing charm as Ricky, balancing charisma with unpredictability. Josh Lucas, though underutilized, adds gravitas as a shadowy figure pulling the strings. However, some supporting characters feel one-dimensional, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. Blackhurst’s direction is confident, crafting an atmosphere of tension and unease throughout. The screenplay, co-written by David Ebeltoft, effectively builds suspense but occasionally falters with uneven pacing. While the first act hooks the audience with its grounded setup, the middle section meanders before regaining momentum in the gripping final act. The dialogue walks a fine line between sharp and overly expository, occasionally leaning too heavily on clichés. Cinematography by David Bolen is striking, capturing desolate landscapes that mirror the characters’ internal struggles. The use of muted tones and shadowy lighting enhances the film’s bleak tone while adding visual depth. Editing by Ed Yonaitis is mostly seamless, though some transitions feel abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow. The score by Ariel Marx complements the film’s mood but lacks memorable motifs to elevate key moments. Thematically, "Blood for Dust" examines how financial desperation can erode morality and humanity. It draws parallels to films like "Hell or High Water," though it lacks the same emotional resonance and character depth. Blackhurst’s approach is more subdued, favoring slow-burn tension over explosive drama. While this restraint works in some instances, it occasionally leaves the film feeling emotionally distant. Compared to Blackhurst’s previous work on "Here Alone," this film shows growth in visual storytelling but struggles with similar pacing issues. The narrative ambition is commendable, but it doesn’t always land with the intended impact. The moral dilemmas presented are intriguing but could have been explored more thoroughly to leave a lasting impression. "Blood for Dust" is a solid yet flawed thriller that succeeds in atmosphere and performances but falters in pacing and emotional engagement. It will likely appeal to fans of slow-burn crime dramas but may leave casual viewers wanting more depth or excitement. While not groundbreaking, it’s a commendable effort that showcases Blackhurst’s potential as a filmmaker. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/01/25 Full Review Daniel B Pretty standard but well executed. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 12/14/24 Full Review Troy V Great effin Fargo like movie!! A pleasure Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/11/24 Full Review Jelisije J Kit Harington gives one of his best performance as the main antagonist......however at the end day the overall quality of the film was a slow overly long flick that was saved by the last 30 minutes. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 12/03/24 Full Review Read all reviews

Blood for Dust

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