TRIBECA 2023 | Movie Review: "Blood For Dust" Delivers Solid Performances

8/12 ForReel Score | 3.5/5 Stars

As a genre, the crime thriller is among the most reliable. Of course, you have all-timers like Heat and Reservoir Dogs, but even the more serviceable offerings within the niche are more engrossing than your typical fare.

And while Tribeca title Blood for Dust doesn’t necessarily break the mold in any way, it certainly plays into what makes this brand of film engaging. 

Set against the snowy backdrop of 1990s Montana, Blood for Dust follows Cliff (Scoot McNairy), a down-on-his-luck traveling salesman who finds himself in deep water when he agrees to run drugs for his old friend Ricky (Kit Harrington). 

McNairy, maybe best known as a character actor or for his supporting roles, anchors the film in this leading turn, portraying Cliff with empathy and depth. And his arch is certainly supported by strong character writing, creating a foundation around Cliff that gives us something to emotionally sink our teeth into.

But as great as McNairy is, Harrington undoubtedly steals the show. Best known for playing the “good of all goods” Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, it’s nice to see an actor who we all knew had true potential flex his muscles in unique and interesting ways. He’s a real standout in a cast that’s filled to the brim with reliable performers, as he’s given something more mysterious and wicked to work with. 

Blood for Dust is a slow burn, for sure, but its intentional direction from Rod Blackhurst allows the tense atmosphere to build. And it’s because of that patience that the film’s riveting twists feel like gut punches, and its culmination in a shoot-em-up finale leaves you clinging to the edge of your seat. 

Strengthened by beautiful cinematography and a gripping score, Blood for Dust certainly rounds itself out in a way that fully immerses you in its world. 

And despite the fact that it may not differentiate itself in any particularly stellar way, it's a reliable full package of an experience that’ll certainly satisfy fans of the genre.