The Ruthless (2019) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Released in 2019, The Ruthless (original title: Lo Spietato) is an Italian crime drama directed by Renato De Maria. The film takes a gritty look at the life of a career criminal in Italy during the economic boom of the 1980s. Loosely inspired by real-life events, The Ruthless follows the rise of Santo Russo (played by Riccardo Scamarcio), a man who transforms from a small-time crook into one of the most notorious gangsters in Milan.
Set against the backdrop of the luxurious yet corrupt world of Italy’s wealthy elite, The Ruthless explores themes of ambition, greed, and the cost of a life devoted to crime. This review delves into the film’s plot, acting, and visual appeal, as well as where you can watch the movie online.
The Ruthless – Plot Summary
The story of The Ruthless begins in the early 1980s, during Italy’s period of rapid economic growth. The protagonist, Santo Russo, is a rebellious teenager who starts out as a petty thief. Growing up in the crime-ridden streets of Milan, he quickly realizes that the criminal life offers far more opportunities than the straight and narrow path.
Santo soon gets involved with the Mafia and begins his ascent through the ranks of the underworld. He forms a partnership with an unscrupulous businessman named Slim (Alessandro Tedeschi), using his cunning and ruthlessness to expand their empire. His criminal activities range from bank robberies and drug trafficking to money laundering and contract killings, all while living a double life as a husband and father.
While Santo’s life of crime brings him immense wealth and power, it also comes with its share of betrayals and moral compromises. As his criminal empire grows, Santo’s relationships with those closest to him—including his wife Mariangela (Sara Serraiocco) and his lover Annabelle (Marie-Ange Casta)—start to crumble, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Film Review: Why The Ruthless Is a Gripping Crime Drama
A Gritty Take on the Italian Mafia:
The Ruthless delivers a familiar yet fresh take on the gangster genre. It stands out by focusing on the relatively unexplored 1980s Italian economic boom and how organized crime took advantage of it. Director Renato De Maria does a great job of blending the allure of the high life with the gritty realities of Mafia violence, creating a compelling narrative about ambition and moral decay.
Riccardo Scamarcio’s Captivating Performance:
Riccardo Scamarcio, who plays the lead character Santo Russo, is the highlight of the film. Scamarcio portrays Santo as a complex figure, balancing his ruthless persona as a gangster with the human side of a man who craves respect and success. His performance brings a certain vulnerability to the role, which makes the character’s gradual descent into moral corruption even more impactful.
Santo’s motivations are never one-dimensional—he is not merely driven by greed or power but also by a deep-seated need to escape his humble beginnings. This makes the character both relatable and tragic, as viewers witness how his choices lead him down a path of self-destruction.
Stylish Visuals and Period-Accurate Aesthetic:
One of the film’s strengths lies in its visual style. The cinematography vividly captures the flashy excesses of the 1980s in Milan, from high-fashion parties to extravagant villas. The contrast between the luxurious world Santo inhabits and the violent, bloody business that sustains it is stark and effective. The film’s vibrant color palette, slick camerawork, and attention to detail help transport viewers to the era, adding authenticity to the story.
Themes of Morality, Ambition, and Decay:
The Ruthless is not just a crime thriller but also a character study that delves deep into the psychology of its protagonist. The film touches on themes of ambition, power, and the costs of living outside the law. Santo Russo’s rise to the top is littered with betrayal and moral compromise, and while he gains wealth and status, the cost to his soul becomes increasingly apparent.
What makes The Ruthless intriguing is that it doesn’t glorify Santo’s actions. Instead, it paints a picture of how a life of crime, despite its allure, comes at the expense of personal relationships and inner peace. The film leaves viewers with a sense of emptiness as Santo’s pursuit of power ultimately leads to his downfall.
Where to Watch The Ruthless Online – Streaming Services and Availability
If you’re looking to watch The Ruthless, here are the platforms where it’s currently available for streaming or rental in the United States:
Streaming Services Available in the United States
- Netflix
The Ruthless is available for streaming on Netflix, making it easy for subscribers to watch the film in high definition. Netflix holds the exclusive streaming rights for the movie in many regions, including the U.S.
[Available on Netflix] - Vudu
While not part of the regular streaming library, you can rent or purchase The Ruthless on Vudu if you prefer to watch it without a Netflix subscription.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Apple iTunes
The Ruthless is also available for rental or purchase through Apple iTunes. This platform offers the movie in HD, and it can be streamed on any Apple device or via the Apple TV app.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Google Play Movies
Google Play Movies provides options to rent or buy The Ruthless, making it accessible for Android users or anyone who prefers to watch movies through Google’s ecosystem.
[Available for rent or purchase]
Rent or Purchase The Ruthless Online
For viewers who want to rent or own the film, the following platforms offer the movie:
- Apple iTunes
Rent The Ruthless for around $3.99 or buy it for $9.99. You can watch it on any Apple device or through the Apple TV app.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Google Play Movies
The movie is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $9.99. It’s a great option for those who prefer watching on Android devices or via Chromecast.
[Available for rent or purchase] - Vudu
Similar to other rental platforms, The Ruthless is available for rent at $3.99 or for purchase at $9.99. It’s accessible across various devices, including smart TVs and streaming sticks.
[Available for rent or purchase]
Final Thoughts – Is The Ruthless Worth Watching?
The Ruthless offers a compelling portrait of the rise and fall of a criminal in 1980s Italy. While the film doesn’t reinvent the gangster genre, it provides a fresh take by focusing on the uniquely Italian context of Milan’s economic boom. With stylish visuals, an engaging narrative, and a powerful lead performance by Riccardo Scamarcio, The Ruthless is an entertaining and thought-provoking film that will appeal to fans of crime dramas and character-driven stories.
The movie effectively balances the glamour and danger of Santo’s criminal lifestyle, offering a critical look at the personal costs of ambition and moral compromise. If you enjoy films that explore the human side of the criminal underworld, The Ruthless is definitely worth a watch.
Conclusion: Stream The Ruthless Today
With its gripping storyline, dynamic characters, and high-stakes drama, The Ruthless is available for streaming on Netflix, making it accessible to a wide audience. If you’re not a Netflix subscriber, you can still rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, or Vudu.
Don’t miss out on this Italian crime thriller—start streaming The Ruthless today!
