- BONEYARD
- Starring: Brian Van Holt, Curtis Jackson and Mel Gibson.
- Directed by: Asif Akbar
- Rated: R
- Running time: 1 hr 40 mins
- Lionsgate
New Mexico. 2009. While out walking their dog, a citizen comes across what appear to be human bones. Further investigation turns up no less then eleven bodies. The place is a virtual boneyard.
I have been a champion of filmmaker Asif Akbar since I saw his 2012 documentary, “Top Priority: The Terror Within.” He followed with such films as “Astro” and last year’s spy-thriller “MR-9: Do or Die,” films that I enjoyed immensely. And just when I think I’ve got him pegged as an action director, he throws me a curveball with the psychological drama “Boneyard.”
After the above mentioned remains are discovered, it falls to Albuquerque detective Ortega (Van Holt) and his partner (Nora Zehetner) to investigate the grisly findings. They are offered assistance from the FBI who send in the laid back, but to the point, Agent Petrovick (Gibson, in his best performance 2020’s “Fatmam”). As the story backtracks via flashbacks we discover that both men are dealing with the demons of their past, making this case personal. As the story progresses, we find ourselves trying to solve the crime with them. It’s the once-disgraced detective Tate (Michael Sirow). No, wait, it’s the quiet man who has a habit of trying to give young girls a lift (Weston Cage Coppola). It’s…well, you get it.
The film is well cast, with Gibson and Van Holt leading the way. Coppola (yes, he’s Nic’s son) is well cast as the quiet man of faith who may or may not be a killer. And special mention for Mr. Sirow, who makes you care for what should be an unsympathetic character.
The script, co-written by Akbar and three others, is reverent when it needs to be, but not afraid to throw in some much appreciated humor now and then.
On a scale of zero to five I give “Boneyard” ★★★★