Land of Bad (2024) is an action-packed thriller directed by William Eubank, known for his ability to blend intense action with emotional storytelling. The film stars Russell Crowe as Captain Eddie “Reaper” Grimm, a veteran Delta Force operator, and Liam Hemsworth as Sergeant JJ “Playboy” Kinney, a soldier thrust into a deadly mission during his first deployment. With a gripping narrative, the movie explores the dangers of modern warfare and the emotional and physical toll it takes on those involved.
Set in the unforgiving jungles of the Philippines, Land of Bad begins with a high-stakes covert operation by the U.S. Army’s Delta Force to capture a dangerous high-value target. Led by a seasoned team, the mission quickly takes a turn for the worse when the soldiers are ambushed by heavily armed enemy forces. The situation becomes dire, leaving Sergeant Kinney isolated from his unit, outnumbered, and with limited resources.
The only lifeline Kinney has is Captain Grimm, operating remotely as a drone specialist. Grimm uses advanced drone technology to guide Kinney through the hostile terrain, providing tactical support and advice as the young soldier battles to survive. However, the situation escalates further as the enemy becomes aware of their strategy, and both Grimm and Kinney must push their limits to outsmart and outmaneuver their relentless adversaries.
Through the intense action, the film delves into the charactersโ personal struggles. Grimm wrestles with the moral dilemmas of modern warfare, where he operates from safety but sends others into danger. Meanwhile, Kinney confronts his fears and learns to trust his instincts as he transforms from a rookie into a resilient fighter.
Released in theaters on February 16, 2024, Land of Bad drew attention for its intense action, emotional storytelling, and timely exploration of modern warfare. It later premiered on Netflix on July 18, 2024, where it gained a broader audience. While praised for its performances and engaging action sequences, the film received some criticism for leaning on familiar genre tropes.