Movie Overview
Proud Mary (2018) delivers a stylish blend of action and crime drama, anchored by a fierce performance from Taraji P. Henson. The film introduces Mary, a deadly hit woman working for an organized crime syndicate in Boston. Her life of routine violence is shattered during a job gone wrong, resulting in the death of a target she wasn't supposed to take out. Riddled with guilt, Mary keeps a watchful eye on the victim's young son, Danny, eventually stepping in to save him from a similar fate. However, her act of compassion sparks a volatile mob war, placing both of them in the crosshairs of her employer and rival gangs.
Director Babak Najafi, known for his work on high-intensity action films, infuses Proud Mary with a retro aesthetic reminiscent of 1970s blaxploitation cinema, updated with modern cinematography. The cast features compelling supporting turns by Billy Brown and Jahi Di'Allo Winston, whose dynamic with Henson provides the emotional core of the movie. While the film is driven by explosive set pieces and gunfights, it explores themes of redemption, motherhood, and the desire to escape a criminal past. The tone balances gritty violence with moments of levity and soul, underscored by a classic soundtrack.
Despite its stylish execution, Proud Mary received a mixed critical reception, holding a 5.0/10 rating on IMDb and a 25% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised Henson's commanding screen presence but noted that the plot followed standard genre conventions. Nevertheless, the film stands out as a showcase for its lead star. If you are looking to watch online and enjoy fast-paced crime thrillers with a strong female protagonist, Proud Mary offers an entertaining experience available on Netflix.
