Cast
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Scoot McNairy
as Cliff
Kit Harington
as Ricky
Josh Lucas
as John
Stephen Dorff
as Gus
Nora Zehetner
as Amy
Ethan Suplee
as Slim
Amber Rose Mason
as Rebecca
Megan Folsom
as Ruby
Chris Mullinax
as Bill
Golden Garnick
as Goldy
Everett Blunck
as Kyle
Algin Mendez
as Antonio
Jeff Medley
as Portly Cowboy
J.D. Hoppe
as Car loader
Gabriel Clark
as The Leader
Crew
Director
- Rod Blackhurst
Writer
- David Ebeltoft
Producer
- Noah Lang
- Mark Fasano
- Bernard Kira
- Ari Novak
- Nathan Klingher
- Ryan Winterstern
- Petr Jákl
- Bobby Campbell
- Arun Kumar
Reviews
Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots
“Blood for Dust” is the type of generic crime thriller that not only has a forgettable title, but is something that you won’t remember watching a week later. That doesn’t mean it’s a stinker, though, and Rod Blackhurst’s strong direction and commanding performances from the cast make this slow burn indie a familiar, yet still unpredictable, ride.
Traveling salesman Cliff (Scoot McNairy) is drowning in debt and struggling to take care of his family. All he wants is the American Dream, but the only things he seems to be catching are remnants in the rearview mirror. When he has a chance encounter with Ricky (Kit Harington), a colleague from a dark past he’d rather forget, Cliff joins him and American cartel boss John (Josh Lucas) for a dangerous job that promises a big payday.
It’s a simple story of guns, drugs, bloodshed, and despair that’s well told. The basic script (co-written by Blackhurst and David Ebeltoft) is peppered with dialogue that’s sometimes superficial yet somehow, often profound. This is a small story about of the white American male that’s well told, with strong “Hell or High Water” vibes.
The film is hauntingly beautiful, and Blackhurst nails the moody atmosphere. The cold and bleak landscapes of the snow-covered Montana badlands perfectly complement the story, lending a slice of modern Western Americana that’s rough, rugged, and grim.
I enjoyed “Blood for Dust” in spite of its predictability and flaws because the things it sets out to accomplish, it does so well.
By: Louisa Moore
Nov 3, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Blood for Dust distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Rod Blackhurst brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Blood for Dust took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The costume department created over 117 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2024, when this film is released:
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Blood for Dust shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bad Girls, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Blood for Dust subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dante's Peak and Mad Max explore similar territory, Blood for Dust stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 19, 2024
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
