In my review for Hounds of War (2024) I joked how it seemed like Frank Grillo seemed to have a new film every week. That “joke” was further compounded by the fact he had two films out on the same day, with both Hounds of War and Long Gone Heroes.
As an action enthusiast, I initially concentrated on Hounds of War, given its association with action legend Isaac Florentine. However, I should have shifted my focus to Long Gone Heroes, an outstanding action thriller that serves as Grillo’s best leading role since Boss Level (2020).
Reuniting for the fifth time with writer/director John Swab, Long Gone Heroes is perfectly crafted for Grillo, featuring stoic heroes, despicable villains, and plenty of intense action scenes to satisfy his fans. While the Venezuelan settings may not seem entirely authentic, and the accents could be questionable, these are just minor issues that don’t detract from the film’s gripping nature. After all, audiences rarely complain when U.S. films mishandle Scottish accents, something I could take personally, yet I’m mature enough to overlook such details if the film excels in other areas. Trust me, Long Gone Heroes more than compensates for these slight production flaws.
Grillo is suitably grizzled (sorry couldn’t help myself) as ex-special forces soldier Gunner. Having turned his back on his career and his country, Gunner finds himself dragged back into action after his niece (Eden Brolin) is kidnapped in Venezuela. His niece is a young reporter who is down there as an act of defiance against her mother Olivia (Melissa Leo), a United States Governor. It looks like her kidnapping could be linked to some dodgy dealings her mother has had with drug lord Roman (Andy Garcia).
Olivia uses Gunner’s emotions against him, coercing him to enter Venezuela on a rescue mission. Assembling a team made up of Matty (George Carroll), West (Beau Knapp) and David (Josh Hutcherson) they trek into the violent terrain, with their only support being Guapo (Juan Pablo Raba), a local mercenary from Gunner’s past. It’s not long before this small team finds themselves in the thick of it, with it never being clear who will make it.
I had noted in several of his previous movies, director John Swab has a very 1970’s sensibility in how he shoots his films, what I like to call “the no bullshit approach”. His action is shot cleanly and precise without attempts to inject unnecessary visual flourishes that only subtract from the on screen action rather than adding to it.
Even the emphasis on the film’s more dramatic, dialogue-driven scenes feels stripped down. Similar to the style of Walter Hill, the characters are reduced to their core elements. Aside from Grillo’s Gunner, we initially lack insight into the backgrounds of his teammates. We learn more about them through their actions in the field and a few significant lines of dialogue, revealing that they are deeply flawed individuals. However, when the moment calls for it, they demonstrate a strong moral compass. While they may make harsh comments, they are willing to risk their lives to uphold what is right.
This is beautifully illustrated by the film’s eclectic group of heroes. Unsurprisingly, Grillo shines as the group’s leader, the tough yet troubled Gunner, a character who appears emotionally drained. Through the journey to rescue his niece, he gradually regains a sense of humanity, all while taking down what can only be described as a small army. In my review of Hounds of War, I noted Grillo’s lack of presence during the second half of the film, but I can’t express the same concern here. He actively participates in several thrilling shootouts and fight scenes, notably engaging in a memorable hand-to-hand confrontation with Mekhi Phifer as the film races toward its climax.
The underrated Beau Knapp delivers strong support as West, the more reserved member of the team. Like Gunner, West exhibits clear disillusionment; however, it’s his loyalty to his friends that keeps him engaged. Knapp conveys a great deal through subtle movement and expression, allowing his emotions to unfold as the story progresses.
I’ve been consistently impressed by Knapp since his performance in The Signal (2014), always feeling he is on the brink of a major breakthrough. His standout supporting roles in films such as Southpaw (2015), The Finest Hours (2016), and Sand Castle (2017) showcase his versatility, even if his screen time was somewhat limited. This time, however, he is present throughout the entire film.
Knapp is certainly better utilized here than in the recent Road House (2024), which I felt squandered his abilities. Long Gone Heroes marks his second collaboration with Swab after the crime thriller Ida Red (2021), which also starred his Long Gone Heroes co-stars Frank Grillo and Melissa Leo.
Another Swab regular, George Carroll, also known as Slaine, delivers an impressive performance as one of Gunner’s teammates. Carroll acts as a bit of a good luck charm for John Swab, having appeared in even more of his films than Grillo. Although he may seem a bit rough around the edges compared to his teammates, he brings a significant amount of personality and heart to his character.
Similarly, Juan Pablo Raba portrays the Mercenary character Guapo, who initially comes off as cold-blooded but ultimately proves his loyalty in the field. It was great to see Raba back in action after his strong supporting roles in films like The Marksman (2021) and Freelance (2023). His role in this film provides him with more depth than either of those previous performances.
Then there’s Josh Hutcherson, one of the more recognizable actors in the cast. Following his slimy villainous turn in The Beekeeper (2024), he returns to the side of good as tech specialist David. Clearly out of his element, he quickly finds himself facing danger head-on. Hutcherson shines in the role of the anxious, fidgety tech geek, serving as our window into the film’s world, as David grapples with the bewildering events unfolding around him.
Other than Melissa Leo, Eden Brolin is the only main female character. Although she clearly wants to do the right thing, her character actually comes across as a bit of an asshole, with a discussion between her and Hutcherson’s David being a perfect example of this. With her muttering about him being an idiot, she seemingly forgets he’s put his life on the line to rescue her. Thankfully she comes around, especially when she realizes the risks those around her are taking to get her to safety.
Melissa Leo brings a level of gravitas to the film, despite her limited screen time, primarily appearing in the opening scenes. Portraying a United States Governor, her character is entangled in some highly questionable activities. While I won’t claim to be an expert on politics or suggest that the film’s discussions accurately reflect reality, they certainly add a layer of complexity that elevates Long Gone Heroes beyond a mere action film.
Further Star power is given by Andy Garcia, although his scenes are considerably brief, with henchman Mekhi Phifer being more the film’s main villain. Both portray vile human beings and easily rank up there with the most evil characters either actors has played.
It’s obvious Swab wasn’t interested in directing a typical bullet fest. This is especially apparent in the first half of the film where he takes his time to introduce us to the characters and plot elements. It is almost at the hour mark before the action truly kicks in, but before that Swab cranks up the tension. When the action finally does come it hardly lets up. While there is some obvious use of digital blood and gunfire, it’s not too obtrusive and is to be expected these days.
Another element that rises Long Gone Heroes above the norm is some classy cinematography from director of photography Brandon Cox. The jungle based scenes are particularly impressive, with Cox’s nighttime photography being particularly striking. To be honest, I thought Cox would have risen above the DTV/VOD market by now especially considering his quality collaborations with personal favorite Steven C. Miller. I’m not knocking DTV as many of my favorite films have gone this route, but Cox’s work is easily on par with many better known D.O.P’s.
Long Gone Heroes easily surpassed my expectations. Some minor faults aren’t enough to detail what is an utterly captivating action thriller that favors its characters as much as the action.
John Swab already has another film on the way, King Ivory, another crime thriller that seems to be another film taken straight from the headlines, with it putting a focus on Fentanyl trafficking. Sadly it doesn’t look like Grillo is back for that one, but I’m sure he doesn’t have to worry with him already having several other films awaiting release or going into production.
Long Gone Heroes is currently available on VOD and shouldn’t be missed. It’s one Grillo film that deserves more attention.
Plot: 4/5
Acting: 4.5/5
Action: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5
