Thieves Highway (2025)
Aaron Eckhart continues his steady assault on the direct-to-video market with Thieves Highway, delivering a fairly average thriller that lacks the Hollywood sheen. Reuniting with director Charles Sherman, director of Eckhart’s enjoyable Chief of Station and the surprisingly capable UK set Thomas Jane actioner One Ranger, Eckhart takes on a familiar but effective genre template here.
Based loosely on true events, Thieves Highway echoes the grit and lone-wolf determination of classic films like Walking Tall. Here, a dedicated agriculture cop finds himself pitted against a ruthless band of cattle rustlers intent on making a clean getaway across the border. When he discovers their elaborate smuggling plot unfolding miles from reinforcements, he becomes the single lawman standing between the rustlers and their escape. It was not until the end credits did I realise this was based on actual events.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its grounded, slightly realistic tone. It wisely doesn’t feel the need to jazz up the straightforward story up for the audience. This restraint feels refreshing, though some might argue it lacks the expected kinetic energy. Most action unfolds around vehicles or within the confines of a small diner, keeping the narrative grounded.
While the story doesn’t offer a completely tidy resolution – this feels like a chapter plucked from an ongoing series – it works within its context. The fate of protagonist Devon Sawe hangs precariously, leaving audiences hanging as intended.
The action quality is mixed. It excels in its opening stretches, delivering tense, solidly effective sequences that ground the character’s desperation. However, the execution falters slightly towards the climactic confrontation, which feels less impactful than the preceding set pieces. The noticeable use of green screen in driving sequences is a minor distraction that occasionally pulls the viewer out of the otherwise grounded narrative.
Eckhart anchors the film as a strong, dynamic lead, proving his character is the right man for the job. His portrayal feels appropriately overpowered for a small-town “Cow cop” against desperate outlaws, but not cartoonishly so. Devon Sawe, the villain, is effectively portrayed as creepy and unnerving. Lucy Martin provides moments that steal the scene, pulling off a well-hidden character twist followed by a sudden, convincing descent into “crazy town” with great effect.
Overall, Thieves Highway is a competent entry in its subgenre. It hides its low budget reasonably well, offering decent performances and a functional action core, if not much else.
