Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, well-acted story of double-crossing drug dealers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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Where to Watch
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Blood for Dust
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In BLOOD FOR DUST, Cliff (Scoot McNairy) is a salesman who's traveling around Montana trying to sell defibrillators. He has a wife and sick child to support, and he's struggling. In addition, his association with a crooked company in the past has made it difficult for him to find new work. He's approached by Ricky (Kit Harington) and offered the chance to make a lot more money selling drugs and guns. Cliff is reluctant but sees no other choice. Ricky takes him to see the man in charge, the sadistic John (Josh Lucas), who threatens Cliff and his family with bodily harm if he's ever double-crossed. But when Ricky veers from the plan and starts leaving a trail of dead bodies, Cliff realizes that he could be next unless he comes up with a plan of his own.
Is It Any Good?
It's stuck with an all-too-common story (and a generic title), but this thriller boasts some fine performances and an unhurried pace that provides space for characters to breathe. Great character actor McNairy is the real secret weapon of Blood for Dust. He has an extremely likable, guy-next-door quality, but there's also a hint of mystery, making him capable of playing villains—or, as here, someone with a dark past. Scenes are constructed not just to further the plot but to really dig into the characters. There are many conversations between Cliff and others in which we begin to understand their pasts and how they were shaped. (Lucas is the exception, delivering a fun performance as a truly impenetrable, brutal villain who says things like "I don't give a f--k about your safety!") Director Rod Blackhurst also pays attention to the scenes of violence. They feel rough and dangerous, rather than slick and stylized. The guns make a lot of noise, and the shoot-outs are accompanied by confusion and a sick feeling. Ultimately, the routine, largely predictable story of Blood for Dust (it owes a lot to Breaking Bad) keeps it from being great, but the characters still make it worth seeing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Blood for Dust's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
How are drugs, drinking, and smoking depicted? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Why is it interesting to explore what happens when good people go bad? Is Cliff's behavior justified? How do you think you'd react in a similar situation?
Why is it important to have access to health care and livable salaries? Does Cliff's difficulty in paying for exorbitant health care costs justify his actions?
What's the impact of anti-heroes like Cliff on the greater culture?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 19, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : April 19, 2024
- Cast : Scoot McNairy , Kit Harington , Josh Lucas
- Director : Rod Blackhurst
- Studio : The Avenue
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, suicide, language, some sexual material/nudity and drug use
- Last updated : April 28, 2024
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