Most “on the run” films are taught and baffling, but She Rides Shotgun takes you over the edge. Well-acted, the movie puts you in the driver’s seat of this running away story filled with heart pounding excitement. It’s a compelling break from the ordinary.
School’s out for the day and 11 year old Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) waits to be picked up by her mother. Instead of mom, her recently prison released father Nate (Taron Edgerton) pulls up to the school. Getting her into the car he races back to the homestead where he changes her appearance. Climbing back into the car he opens with an explanation of why they must flee and escape death that’s not far behind.
The story gets very dramatic and extreme as Polly and Nate fend off the mob and police. Adding a cornucopia of nefarious violence and mayhem, seasoned director Nick Rowland keeps his audience guessing where, how and when the dangerous chase will end.
Ana Sophia Heger, in her first leading role, takes her Polly on a deadly ride with her malevolent father. Under the direction of Rowland, you can see how she loses her innocence in defense of the challenges her father has set for her. The transformation is subtle at first, but as the escape continues Heger’s Polly becomes the essence of film and makes it a winner.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Ana Sophia Heger, Taron Egerton
Directed by: Nick Rowland
Genre: Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for violence and language
Running Time: 2 hours
Opening Date: Now playing
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released in: Digital
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
