Luke Grimes' Hidden Gem: A Crime Thriller Worth Discovering

Luke Grimes, known for his role in "Yellowstone, " had a career boost from the popular series. But before "Yellowstone, " he starred in a lesser-known crime thriller called "Into the Ashes. " This 2019 film, directed by Aaron Harvey, features Grimes as Nick Brenner, an ex-con trying to live a normal life. Things take a dark turn when his past catches up with him, leading to a violent quest for revenge. The movie also stars Frank Grillo as a menacing figure from Nick's past. Grillo's character kills Nick's wife, setting off a chain of events that sees Nick tearing through rural Alabama. The story gets more complicated when the local sheriff, who is also the victim's father, gets involved. This creates a tense situation where the sheriff must choose between justice and personal revenge. "Into the Ashes" had a limited release and didn't make a big splash at the box office. Despite this, it has some redeeming qualities. Critics had mixed reviews, but some praised its stylish visuals and solid performances. Richard Roeper, for example, called it a "stylish and violent modern-day Western noir. " However, other critics felt the movie lacked originality and depth. The film's title and artwork give it a direct-to-video feel, which might make it seem like a typical B-thriller. But it's worth a watch if you're into crime thrillers. It's a good way to see Luke Grimes in a different role before his "Yellowstone" fame. Plus, seeing Frank Grillo as a villain adds an extra layer of interest, especially after his recent work in "Peacemaker. " If you're a fan of crime thrillers or just want to see more of Luke Grimes' work, "Into the Ashes" is a decent choice. It might not be a masterpiece, but it's an entertaining watch. Just don't expect it to be a groundbreaking film. It's a solid entry in the genre, but it's not going to redefine it.