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A Gritty Dive into Mercenary Mayhem

All the Devil’s Men thrusts viewers into the dangerous life of Jack Collins (Milo Gibson), a battle-hardened bounty hunter and former Navy SEAL haunted by his past. Directed by Matthew Hope, the film follows Collins as he’s recruited by CIA handler Brennan (William Fichtner) for a high-stakes mission in London. Tasked with stopping a rogue operative and terrorist arms dealer, McKnight (Elliot Cowan), Collins teams up with CIA agent Leigh (Sylvia Hoeks) and his old mercenary crew, including Deighton (Gbenga Akinnagbe). What unfolds is a relentless chase through a world of double-crosses, where loyalty is scarce and survival is never guaranteed.

Rooted in the gritty realism of modern covert operations, the film draws inspiration from real-world mercenary and CIA tactics without being based on a true story. Hope, who also wrote the screenplay, crafts a lean, action-packed narrative that prioritizes visceral thrills while exploring themes of duty, vengeance, and redemption. For those searching “All the Devil’s Men 2018,” this film delivers a raw, unpolished take on the action genre.

Plot and Themes: Duty, Vengeance, and Betrayal

The story kicks off with Collins, a man scarred by war and personal loss, taking on what seems like a routine bounty-hunting job. However, the mission quickly escalates when McKnight, a former ally turned terrorist, emerges as the target. His plan to sell a dirty bomb to the highest bidder raises the stakes, forcing Collins and Leigh to navigate a labyrinth of betrayal involving mercenaries, CIA operatives, and criminal networks. The plot unfolds across London, with key sequences in seedy warehouses, neon-lit streets, and high-tech safehouses.

Thematically, All the Devil’s Men explores the cost of living on the edge. Collins’ internal struggle—balancing his thirst for redemption with the moral ambiguity of his work—adds depth to the action. His uneasy alliance with Leigh, a disciplined yet enigmatic CIA agent, highlights the tension between personal loyalty and professional duty. The film doesn’t shy away from the toll of violence, showing how each character grapples with the consequences of their choices in a morally gray world.

Cast and Performances: Raw and Riveting

Milo Gibson, son of Mel Gibson, brings a rugged intensity to Jack Collins, proving he’s more than a legacy name. His performance channels a mix of stoic determination and quiet pain, making Collins a relatable anti-hero. Gibson’s physicality shines in the film’s demanding action scenes, from hand-to-hand combat to tactical shootouts. For audiences searching “Milo Gibson action movie,” his breakout role here is a highlight.

Sylvia Hoeks, known for Blade Runner 2049, is a standout as Leigh, blending steely resolve with subtle vulnerability. Her chemistry with Gibson feels authentic, grounded in mutual respect rather than forced romance. William Fichtner, as the manipulative Brennan, delivers a layered performance, keeping viewers guessing about his true motives. Elliot Cowan’s McKnight is a formidable villain, exuding cold menace, while Gbenga Akinnagbe’s Deighton adds heart to the mercenary crew, hinting at a deep bond with Collins.

The ensemble, though lean, ensures every character serves the story. Supporting players, like Joseph Millson as a ruthless arms dealer, add texture to the film’s criminal world, making it feel lived-in and dangerous.

Direction and Cinematography: Gritty and Dynamic

Matthew Hope’s direction is confident and kinetic, leaning into the film’s low-budget roots to create a raw, immersive experience. He avoids the glossy excess of bigger action films, favoring practical stunts and authentic weaponry to ground the action. Key sequences—like a brutal alleyway brawl or a high-speed chase through London’s streets—are sH๏τ with a visceral immediacy, keeping viewers on edge. The film’s 99-minute runtime is тιԍнт, ensuring the pacing rarely lags.

Cinematographer Robin Whenary captures London’s underbelly with a gritty aesthetic, using muted grays and harsh lighting to evoke a sense of danger. Nighttime scenes, illuminated by flickering neon and muzzle flashes, amplify the film’s tense atmosphere. The sound design, paired with Simon Lennon’s pulsating score, enhances the chaos, with gunfire and explosions hitting like thunderclaps. For those searching “mercenary thriller 2018,” the film’s visual and auditory intensity is a major draw.

Strengths: What Makes It Stand Out

All the Devil’s Men excels in its commitment to realism and character-driven action. Hope’s focus on tactical authenticity—showcasing real-world weaponry and mercenary strategies—sets it apart from more fantastical action films. The fight choreography, blending martial arts with military precision, feels brutal yet believable. Gibson and Hoeks anchor the story, their performances elevating a straightforward plot into something emotionally resonant.

The film’s exploration of loyalty and betrayal adds depth, particularly in Collins’ relationships with his crew and Leigh. Unlike many action thrillers, it doesn’t glorify violence, instead showing its physical and emotional toll. The compact runtime keeps the story focused, making it an ideal pick for viewers craving a no-frills action experience.

Weaknesses: Where It Falls Short

Despite its strengths, All the Devil’s Men isn’t without flaws. The low budget occasionally shows, with some CGI effects—like explosions—lacking polish compared to bigger blockbusters. The plot, while engaging, leans on familiar tropes like the “rogue operative” and “double-cross,” which may feel predictable to genre fans. McKnight’s motivations, though hinted at, could have been fleshed out to make him a more compelling villain.

Some supporting characters, like Deighton, are underdeveloped, leaving their backstories and motivations underexplored. The film also glosses over the broader geopolitical context of the arms trade, which could have added another layer of intrigue. For viewers expecting a deeper narrative, these gaps may disappoint.

SEO Optimization and Audience Appeal

For those searching “All the Devil’s Men 2018 review” or “best action thrillers 2018,” this film is a must-watch for fans of gritty, character-driven action. Its 7.8/10 IMDb rating reflects strong audience appreciation, particularly for its intense performances and realistic stunts. Keywords like “Milo Gibson mercenary movie” and “Sylvia Hoeks CIA thriller” will attract fans of the cast, while “London action movie” and “terrorist arms dealer film” target genre enthusiasts.

Released in 2018, All the Devil’s Men appeals to fans of films like The Expendables or John Wick, though its smaller scale and focus on realism set it apart. Its R rating, due to graphic violence and language, suits mature audiences. Social media buzz, especially on platforms like X, highlights its cult following among action aficionados, boosting its discoverability.

Final Verdict: A Thrilling, Gritty Ride

All the Devil’s Men (2018) is a lean, mean action thriller that punches above its weight. Milo Gibson and Sylvia Hoeks deliver captivating performances, while Matthew Hope’s direction infuses the film with raw energy and tactical authenticity. Though hindered by a modest budget and some predictable plot beats, its intense action, strong character work, and themes of loyalty make it a standout. For those searching “All the Devil’s Men 2018,” this is a thrilling tribute to the mercenary life that action fans will devour.

Rating: 7.8/10

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

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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.