Taylor Sheridan and Jon Bernthal's 100-Minute Thriller Tops Netflix Charts

Critics have praised the film's propulsive pacing

Taylor Sheridan and Jon Bernthal have delivered a gripping R-rated thriller that has become one of Netflix's most-watched titles. Released in September 2026, the film combines Sheridan's sharp writing with Bernthal's intense performance to create a pulse-pounding experience. Available exclusively on the streaming platform, it has quickly risen to dominate viewership charts across multiple regions. The movie, which runs exactly 100 minutes, follows a survival story set in the Montana wilderness where Bernthal plays a haunted firefighter tracking a young witness pursued by assassins. Sheridan, known for his work on Yellowstone and Sicario, crafted a tight narrative that avoids exposition in favor of visceral action and moral ambiguity.

Critics have praised the film's propulsive pacing, noting how it maintains tension from opening frame to final shot without relying on franchise baggage or supernatural elements. What Makes This Thriller Stand Out in a Crowded Genre Unlike many action-heavy releases, this film prioritizes character psychology over spectacle, using the natural environment as both obstacle and metaphor. Bernthal underwent extensive physical training to portray the firefighter's guilt and determination, a detail Sheridan highlighted in interviews as central to the casting choice. The R-rating allows for unflinching depictions of violence that serve the story rather than gratuitous shock, a balance Sheridan has become known for achieving.

Streaming data indicates strong retention rates

Streaming data indicates strong retention rates, with over 70% of viewers watching the film in full during its first two weeks. How Does Bernthal's Performance Elevate the Material Bernthal brings a rare combination of physicality and emotional fragility to the role, portraying a man haunted by past failures while fighting for redemption. His scenes with the young protagonist avoid sentimentality, instead building trust through subtle gestures and shared silence. Sheridan has noted in past discussions that he writes with specific actors in mind, and Bernthal's ability to convey internal conflict through minimal dialogue was essential to the film's tone. The collaboration marks their second project together, following a critically acclaimed limited series that explored similar themes of trauma and survival. Frequently Asked Questions Is this film based on a book or original screenplay?

The thriller is an original screenplay written by Taylor Sheridan, not adapted from any existing novel or prior work. Does the movie connect to Sheridan's other Yellowstone universe stories? No, this is a standalone story with no narrative ties to Yellowstone, 1883, or any other Sheridan-created franchise. What age rating does the film carry and why? It received an R-rating for strong violence, some language, and brief thematic elements, reflecting its intense survival scenario.