Related Movies:

Blood for Dust (2023), directed by Rod Blackhurst, is a moody, neo-noir crime thriller set in the desolate landscapes of 1990s Montana. Starring Scoot McNairy as a desperate salesman turned drug runner, Kit Harington as his reckless accomplice, and Josh Lucas as a menacing cartel boss, the film promises a raw, high-stakes plunge into a world of betrayal and violence. While its strong performances and atmospheric visuals deliver moments of intensity, its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters prevent it from breaking new ground. This review explores why Blood for Dust is a compelling yet flawed addition to the crime thriller genre, earning praise for its execution but criticism for its lack of originality.

Plot Summary: A Descent into Desperation

Blood for Dust follows Cliff (Scoot McNairy), a traveling defibrillator salesman struggling to support his family amidst financial ruin and a troubled past. After losing his job due to resurfacing rumors of an affair and embezzlement scandal, Cliff reconnects with Ricky (Kit Harington), a charismatic but dangerous former colleague now dealing illegal weapons and drugs. Desperate for cash, Cliff agrees to join Ricky in a drug- and gun-running operation for a mid-level cartel boss, John (Josh Lucas). What begins as a simple delivery spirals into a bloodbath when Ricky’s reckless actions ignite a turf war, forcing Cliff to fight for survival in a world he’s ill-prepared to navigate.

The screenplay, written by David Ebeltoft from a story co-crafted with Blackhurst, draws heavily from neo-noir classics like Fargo and No Country for Old Men, blending economic despair with gritty violence. However, its reliance on familiar tropes and a convoluted backstory—revealed through murky flashbacks—makes the narrative feel predictable and occasionally disjointed. Despite these flaws, the film’s tension and pacing keep viewers engaged, especially in its brutal final act.

Cinematography and Atmosphere: Montana’s Bleak Beauty

The film’s strongest ᴀsset is its evocative cinematography by Justin Derry, which captures the stark, snowy expanses of Montana with a 1970s-inspired aesthetic reminiscent of Gordon Willis’s work. Long sH๏τs of Cliff’s station wagon winding through desolate highways and lingering scenes in seedy strip clubs create a palpable sense of isolation and dread. The wintery Montana backdrop mirrors Cliff’s internal turmoil, enhancing the film’s moody tone. The production design by Rob Ebeltoft and a haunting score by Nick Bohun further amplify the atmosphere, making the setting a character in its own right.

However, the film’s technical execution isn’t flawless. Critics have noted that the climactic shootout is dimly lit, making it hard to discern the action, which undercuts the intensity of the violence. Despite these hiccups, the sleek filmmaking keeps Blood for Dust visually compelling, even when the story falters.

Performances: A Stellar Cast Shines

Scoot McNairy delivers a standout performance as Cliff, embodying a downtrodden everyman with subtle nuance. His portrayal captures the quiet desperation of a man torn between family duty and moral compromise, making Cliff a flawed yet relatable protagonist. McNairy’s understated expressions and body language convey a depth the script doesn’t always provide, earning praise as one of the film’s highlights.

Kit Harington, stepping away from his Game of Thrones persona, surprises as Ricky, a cavalier arms dealer with a handlebar mustache and a volatile streak. While some reviews critique his accent as bordering on parody, Harington’s menacing charm and unpredictable energy make Ricky a memorable antagonist. His performance is a bold departure, though the script’s lack of depth limits the character’s impact.

Josh Lucas, as the ruthless cartel boss John, delivers a chilling performance in limited screen time, with a terrifying “job interview” scene showcasing his range. Supporting actors like Ethan Suplee, as a stoic henchman, and Nora Zehetner, as Cliff’s wife Amy, add texture, though the film’s male-centric focus sidelines its female characters. Stephen Dorff’s brief role as a former colleague is underwhelming, disappointing fans expecting more screen time.

Themes and Tone: Desperation and Moral Decay

Blood for Dust explores themes of economic desperation, the myth of the American Dream, and the moral compromises born of survival. Cliff’s journey from salesman to criminal reflects a noir archetype, echoing films like Breaking Bad and A Simple Plan. The film’s grim tone, punctuated by bursts of graphic violence, underscores the cost of ambition and greed, though it lacks the humor or wit of its influences, making it feel relentlessly bleak.

While the setup promises a fresh take on the genre, the story’s predictability and underdeveloped subplots—like Cliff’s family struggles and past scandal—prevent it from fully resonating. The film’s refusal to delve deeply into its characters’ motivations leaves viewers wanting more, though its raw intensity keeps it engaging for fans of gritty thrillers.

Reception: A Polarizing Neo-Noir

Blood for Dust premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and won Best Feature at the San Diego International Film Festival, earning a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 51 reviews) and a 58/100 on Metacritic, indicating mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praise its sleek execution and McNairy’s performance but criticize its formulaic plot and lack of character depth. IMDb users rate it 5.2/10, with some calling it “predictable but enjoyable” for its cinematography and cast, while others find its slow start and murky narrative frustrating. The X post’s enthusiastic 8.4/10 reflects its appeal to action fans, though this contrasts with broader critical sentiment.

Where to Watch Blood for Dust (2023)

As of May 2025, Blood for Dust is available on Disney+, Hulu, and for rent or purchase on Fandango at Home, Amazon Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Check your preferred platform for regional availability.

Final Verdict: A Solid but Unremarkable Thriller

Blood for Dust (2023) delivers a gritty, atmospheric crime thriller anchored by Scoot McNairy’s nuanced performance and a striking Montana backdrop. Its intense shootouts and strong cast make it a worthwhile watch for neo-noir fans, but its predictable storyline and shallow character development keep it from standing out in a crowded genre. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, its sleek execution and raw energy make it a solid, if forgettable, entry.

Rating: 6.5/10
Perfect for: Fans of Fargo, No Country for Old Men, or gritty crime dramas.
Skip if: You want deep character arcs or a fresh twist on the genre.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

---

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.