The Mule (2018), directed by Clint Eastwood, is a poignant crime drama inspired by a real-life story from a New York Times article titled “The Sinaloa Cartelโs 90-Year-Old Drug Mule” by Sam Dolnick. Clint Eastwood stars as Earl Stone, a 90-year-old horticulturist and Korean War veteran who becomes a drug courier for the Mexican cartel out of desperation.
Earl is depicted as a man whose devotion to his career in flower farming has caused estrangement from his family. Facing financial ruin and isolation, he accepts a seemingly innocent job offer to “drive,” which quickly reveals itself to be drug trafficking. Surprisingly adept at evading law enforcement due to his unassuming demeanor, Earl becomes one of the cartel’s most reliable mules, nicknamed “El Tata.”
As Earl amasses wealth, he attempts to make amends with his family, including his ex-wife Mary (Dianne Wiest) and estranged daughter Iris (Alison Eastwood). However, his newfound success attracts attention, including that of DEA Agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper), who is determined to dismantle the cartel’s operation. At the same time, Earl faces growing pressure and suspicion from the cartel’s ruthless enforcers.
The narrative delves into themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of past choices. Earl grapples with his morality, torn between his criminal activity and his desire to reconcile with his family. The film culminates in Earl’s arrest and his acceptance of responsibility, allowing him to find a measure of peace as he tends to a garden in prisonโa metaphor for his newfound clarity and closure.
Critics praised Clint Eastwood’s restrained and layered performance, along with his direction, for capturing a nuanced portrayal of a flawed but sympathetic character. However, the film received mixed reviews for its pacing and a perceived lack of depth in exploring its secondary characters.