Boneyard (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“Boneyard,” a 2024 film directed by Asif Akbar, delves into the gritty underworld of crime, drawing inspiration from the unsolved West Mesa Murders. The film opens with Mel Gibson’s character, Agent Petrovick, quoting, “The Bible says we should rejoice in our suffering,” setting a tone that suggests a high-minded thriller. However, what follows is a narrative that leans heavily into the exploitation genre, reminiscent of the lurid suspense of retro grindhouse films.
Plot and Characters
The story is a fictionalized take on the West Mesa Murders, where the remains of 11 women and girls, along with a fetus, were discovered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2009. The film weaves a convoluted plot involving multiple investigators with conflicting motives, led by police chief Carter (played by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) and homicide detectives Young (Nora Zehetner) and Ortega (Brian Van Holt). They are joined by Agent Petrovick, portrayed by Gibson, who plays yet another in his line of world-weary, alcoholic characters, this time a federal profiler.
Petrovick quickly zeroes in on a suspect profile, describing the killer as a “mission-oriented” male in his 30s, likely a Latino, who believes he’s purging society of sinners. The prime suspect, Caesar (Weston Cage Coppola), fits this description perfectly—a heavyset, bespectacled loner seen stalking women in the film. However, suspicion also falls on Officer Tate (Michael Sirow), a corrupt cop with ties to the victims and possibly to drug cartels and human traffickers.
Performance and Direction
Mel Gibson and Curtis Jackson headline a cast that delivers a mix of performances, from solid to uneven. Gibson’s portrayal of the jaded Agent Petrovick is predictable but effective, while Jackson’s performance as Chief Carter is marred by stiff and stilted delivery. The film’s supporting cast, including Brian Van Holt and Nora Zehetner, struggle to rise above the limitations of a script that feels like a patchwork of multiple storylines.
The film’s direction by Asif Akbar, combined with the cinematography by Joshua Reis, brings a gritty, indie aesthetic to the screen. The frequent use of handheld camera work and shifts to sepia tones or black-and-white can feel disjointed, detracting from the main narrative rather than enhancing it. The pacing is also a challenge, with the film lacking the tension and atmosphere necessary for a gripping thriller.
Themes and Execution
“Boneyard” attempts to tackle themes of guilt, loss, and redemption, with each major character burdened by a tragic backstory. Petrovick, for instance, is haunted by the death of his daughter in a drive-by shooting. This thematic exploration, however, is often buried under a jumble of subplots and flashbacks that lack coherence and focus.
The film’s dedication to the victims of the West Mesa Murders is commendable, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The movie does not fully capture the gravity of the real-life tragedy, instead opting for sensationalism over substance. This approach may leave viewers with the uncomfortable feeling that the victims’ stories have been exploited rather than honored.
Where to Watch Online
As of now, “Boneyard” is still playing in select theaters. For those who prefer to stream movies online, the film is set to be released on various platforms soon. Lionsgate has announced that the movie will be available on-demand starting July 2, with a wider release on July 5. Streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes are expected to carry the film in the coming weeks.
Final Verdict
“Boneyard” is a crime thriller that struggles to find its footing. While it boasts a notable cast and is inspired by a chilling real-life case, the film’s execution is hampered by a disjointed script and uneven performances. Fans of gritty crime dramas may find some merit in its portrayal of the dark side of law enforcement and the psychological toll of hunting a killer, but others may be left wanting more.
For those interested in watching “Boneyard,” it’s worth keeping an eye out for its upcoming streaming release. However, temper your expectations; this is a B-movie that may not live up to its potential.
