More than twenty years after Mel Gibson directed and co-produced the highly successful and controversial film The Passion of the Christ, fans now have the opportunity to revisit his most overlooked performance in a compelling crime drama. Gibson’s underrated performance in the 2019 neo-noir thriller Dragged Across Concrete is streaming for free this March on Plex, giving audiences a chance to appreciate his intense portrayal alongside Vince Vaughn.
While Gibson prepares to release the sequel to his religious blockbuster, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, scheduled to come out in two parts nearly two months apart in 2027, Dragged Across Concrete serves as a reminder of his strong acting range. Directed by S. Craig Zahler, who previously worked with Vaughn on Brawl in Cell Block 99, this film made a quiet but significant impact despite a limited theatrical run and modest box office results.
Critical Reception Highlights the Film’s Depth and Power
Initially, expectations for Dragged Across Concrete were low, with many anticipating a typical action thriller. Instead, the film was praised for its slow-building tension and dramatic depth. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics awarded it a certified fresh rating of 76%, while audience approval sat at 67%. The site’s consensus reads,
“As grim and grinding as its title, Dragged Across Concrete opts for slow-burning drama instead of high-speed thrills — and has just the right cast to make it work,”
capturing the film’s unique tone. Additionally, one critic noted its ability to feel
Image of: Mel Gibson
“painful and tense at the same time.”
Dragged Across Concrete premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival and gained recognition through four Saturn Award nominations, including one for Best Actor credited to Gibson, highlighting his nuanced portrayal of Detective Brett Ridgeman. The story follows Ridgeman and his partner Anthony Lurasetti, played by Vince Vaughn, as they descend into the criminal underworld after both face suspension for an incident involving the assault of a suspect caught on video.
Cast and Performances Bring the Story to Life
The film features Mel Gibson as Detective Brett Ridgeman, whose character wrestles with moral and personal challenges. Alongside Gibson, Vince Vaughn stars as Detective Anthony Lurasetti, delivering a partner dynamic filled with tension and complexity. Supporting actors include Trezzo Mahoro, Tory Kittles, and Thomas Kretschmann, each contributing to the movie’s gritty and intense atmosphere.
While Dragged Across Concrete did not capture major box office success, taking in less than $1 million during its short theater presence, it has since become a standout title in 2019’s video-on-demand releases. Its availability for free streaming on Plex offers a timely chance for new viewers to discover this underrated thriller that showcases Mel Gibson’s depth beyond his more famous roles.
With The Resurrection of the Christ on the horizon, Gibson’s continued creative efforts reflect his commitment to tackling challenging stories across genres. Fans and newcomers alike will find merit in revisiting this film and witnessing Gibson’s compelling work that many have overlooked.
