Prime Video’s Forgotten Revenge Thriller Is Now Taking Over the Streaming

Art Camacho’s gripping action-thriller Ruthless features Dermot Mulroney as Harry, a grieving wrestling coach who’s unexpectedly thrust into the roles of both pseudo-detective and unrelenting protector. Upon realizing that a tragic and winding story lies just beneath the surface of one of his most skilled pupils, Catia, played by Melisa Diaz, Harry sets forth on an increasingly dangerous mission to save her. From the bustling halls of a small-town high school to the shifty streets of Sin City, the 2023 film is both truly stirring and unexpectedly thrilling.

Like many other accidental—unlikely-vigilante flicks, Ruthless is most notably grounded by Harry’s tragic backstory. It’s revealed rather early on that his daughter was violently murdered and assaulted. Thus, as an audience, it can reasonably be assumed that his motive to protect Catia is largely influenced by his desire to right the wrongs of his past. If only he could’ve saved her, if only he had been there to protect her. Now, four years later, he in some way can. Perhaps had another lead been propelling the plot forward, this sob story may have registered as cliché. However, Mulroney plays brooding yet soft very well. Similar to The Last of Us, Ruthless has a similar charm to the fill-in father and daughter trope.

Three Years Later, Camacho’s ‘Ruthless’ is Dominating Streaming Platforms

Image via Saban Films

Despite the so-so critical response, Ruthless had a surprisingly successful streaming run. Such is the experience of your average, thrilling, yet not necessarily James Cameron-esque action feature. After its release, the film found a booming second life on Prime Video, and was so successful, in fact, that it ranked rather high on Prime’s most-watched charts. Currently, it’s positioned comfortably in the top ten, ranking above powerhouses like World War Z and Primate. Plus, even in the modest to negative reviews from film aficionados still praised Mulroney for his gritty, unrelenting commitment despite the occasionally off-beat dialogue and kitschy plot. After an entire career built off roles of a similar likeness, one would hope he’s mastered the Stoic, morally-grey thing at this point.

In summary, despite a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Ruthless is certainly worth a watch. As many critics have argued, because of the not one, not two, but four writers credited in the making of the film, things do get inarguably muddy. However, with that being said, both the heart of the leads and the thrilling action captured in just 92 minutes make this flick impossible to look away from. Critics be damned, the numbers alone vouch for the edge-of-your-seat experience that is Ruthless. For those looking for a B-tier, purely entertaining unlikely hero action flick, this is surely the one.