Ida Red is a 2021 American thriller about a crime boss mom who may not survive her terminal illness while incarcerated for armed robbery. She turns to her son, Wyatt, for one last job and a chance to regain her freedom. But with the FBI closing in, will Wyatt take the risk?
Written and directed by John Swab (Candy Land; Body Brokers; Run with the Hunted; Let Me Make You a Martyr). Produced by Robert Ogden Barnum, Jeremy M. Rosen, John Swab and S.B. Weathersby.
The Roxwell Films-BondIt Media Capital co-production stars Josh Hartnett, Sofia Hublitz, William Forsythe, Deborah Ann Woll, George Carroll, Mark Boone Junior, Beau Knapp, Frank Grillo, Melissa Leo.
Reviews:
“Crime films are a fun genre, and within that genre live some of the best character pieces ever made. Writer and director John Swab clearly knows this, as his film is made up of references to lots of other films in the genre, and while two good performances save this movie, there’s not much here you won’t have seen before.” Awesome Friday
“Ida Red is at first glance another in a string of crime family films. But upon a deeper look, there’s a resonating story here from a writer-director that knows the terrain and these types of interpersonal family relationships well. The result is a feature full of more character than leading actors with a chance to come to the fore and deliver on a strong scrip underpinned by a pulsing musical score by David Sardy that is well worth the watch.” Flick Hunter
“Ida Red is decidedly plot-focused, but the plot hinges on a reveal that doesn’t elevate the story in any meaningful way because none of the characters have been adequately developed. So, in the end, a host of familiar and likable veteran actors simply have nothing to do. All of that is without acknowledging the nonsensical ending.” Flickering Myth
“Ida Red shuffles disparate bits […] into a vaguely movie-shaped object and then slathers it in overbearing score to create atmosphere and momentum that even Sardy’s heavy-lifting, descending-blare compositions and a whole bunch of rather enjoyable actors earnestly doing their best cannot provide.” The Playlist
“The film’s unevenness is especially evident in what’s meant to be the grand set-piece, when the Walker boys attempt their most spectacular stickup leading to a melee in downtown Tulsa. After the not-terribly-clear buildup it should feel energizing, yet it’s strangely both rushed and empty […] What holds Ida Red together and gives it solidity is the relationships between Wyatt, Jeanie and Darla…” Variety
Release date:
Isa Red will be released by Paramount theatrically, On Digital and On Demand on November 5, 2021.
Filming locations:
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Technical details:
111 minutes
Trailer:
