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Exploring the Resurrection of “Dragged Across Concrete”
Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn have teamed up in a gripping thriller that has gained renewed attention, particularly after becoming available on free streaming platforms. Released in 2018, the film Dragged Across Concrete presents a harrowing narrative about two police officers who find themselves cut off from their paychecks after footage of their questionable methods goes public. Strained by financial difficulties, they venture into the crime underbelly in search of a way to make ends meet. The film is dark and gritty, delivering a narrative laden with violence and moral ambiguity, making it a noteworthy experience for viewers seeking intense drama. It’s clear that many are now discovering its value through these streaming services.
Crafted by writer and director S. Craig Zahler, Dragged Across Concrete boasts an impressive cast including Tory Kittles, Michael Jai White, Jennifer Carpenter, Laurie Holden, Fred Melamed, Thomas Kretschmann, and Don Johnson, alongside Gibson and Vaughn. Currently, the film is available to stream on Freevee, where it has quickly ascended to the #6 position in the platform’s overall rankings. Below is the official synopsis for further insight.
“Dragged Across Concrete follows two police detectives who find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics is leaked to the media. With little money and no options, the embittered policemen and a recently paroled convict descend into the criminal underworld and find more than they wanted waiting in the shadows.”
The Distinct Vision of Director S. Craig Zahler
Critics have largely responded favorably to Dragged Across Concrete, granting it a “certified fresh” status on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 76%. While audiences have been more mixed in their reactions, as reflected in its 67% score on the Popcornmeter, there remains a great deal for crime thriller aficionados to appreciate. The critic consensus posits: “As grim and grinding as its title, Dragged Across Concrete opts for slow-burning drama instead of high-speed thrills — and has just the right cast to make it work.”
S. Craig Zahler has established himself as a producer of stories steeped in brutal violence and moral complexity. His previous work includes the notorious 2015 Western Bone Tomahawk, which tells the tale of a sheriff, played by Kurt Russell, who leads a group to confront a disturbing Native American cannibal tribe. The film features unsettling scenes that can drastically alter one’s perspective on certain holiday traditions, melding horror with its Western themes.
In Brawl in Cell Block 99, Zahler cast Vaughn in a strikingly different role. The actor, known for comedic films like Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball, morphs into a menacing figure who is thrust into a harrowing fight for survival while navigating the harsh realities of a maximum-security prison, all while his wife is endangered by a powerful drug lord. For those who appreciate unsettling narratives, Zahler’s work is likely to resonate.
Meanwhile, Mel Gibson has reemerged in Hollywood, a period marked by both accolades and controversy. The Oscar-winning actor, previously designated as a “Special Ambassador” by former President Donald Trump, faced a disappointing reception with his latest project, Flight Risk, which features Mark Wahlberg as a hitman posing as an airline pilot. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Gibson’s presence alongside Vaughn in Dragged Across Concrete adds an intriguing layer to this raw and intense crime drama.
Source
movieweb.com