Taron Egerton

Ana Sophia Heger

Odessa A'zion

John Carroll Lynch

David Lyons

Rob Yang

Keith Jardine

Jamie Bernadette

Goldie Tom

Kiko Sanchez

Loren Anthony

Travis Hammer

Rebecca Hill Casey

Conrad R. Padilla

Edgar Damatian

Matt Roszak

Santiago Segura

Ryan de Quintal

Andy Kastelic

Freddy Martinez

Esodie Geiger

Audrey Pazienza

Debrianna Mansini

McKenzie Scott

Nick Rowland

Ken Kao

Josh Rosenbaum

Joey Box

Robert Alonzo

Nate Matteson

Hiro Murai

Collin Creighton

Brad Weston

Jordan Harper

Ben Collins

Luke Piotrowski

Teddy Schwarzman

John Friedberg

Walter F. Parkes

Laurie MacDonald

Alexis Garcia

Chris Rice

Christopher Slager

Graham Taylor

Benjamin John Power

Lexi Dali

Wyatt Garfield

Thriller

Action

Crime

She Rides Shotgun

Fifth Season

Makeready

Super Frog

Waypoint Entertainment

United States of America

English

based on novel or book

Manuel São Bento

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/she-rides-shotgun-movie-review-ana-sophia-heger-delivers-a-star-making-performance/

"She Rides Shotgun tells a relatively simple, even formulaic story - a man on the run, a redemption arc, a family bond forged in the fire of survival. But it's in the way it tells that story - with emotional honesty, top-tier performances, and intimate, inspired direction - that the movie finds its unique power. It doesn't reinvent the genre, nor does it try to.

And while Taron Egerton reaffirms his value as a versatile and committed actor, it's Ana Sophia Heger who truly steals the show - a total revelation, carrying the film's emotional weight and elevating it with rare depth. Her performance isn't just impressive "for her age". It's impressive, full stop.

A star is born here - and everyone better take notice."

Rating: B

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

Adapted from Jordan Harper’s award-winning novel, “She Rides Shotgun” is a raw, riveting, and emotionally charged crime thriller that delivers a gritty and brutal, sometimes beautiful, and often deeply unsettling story about violence, survival, and the complicated bonds between a father and daughter. Featuring a tight script that’s effectively written and two shockingly strong lead performances, this is a sleeper that you don’t want to miss. 

Taron Egerton gives a tough, layered performance as Nate, a recently released ex-con whose past catches up with him the moment he’s free. With an extensive skinhead gang gunning for his blood, Nate is forced to take his estranged 11-year-old daughter Polly (in an absolutely incredible star-making performance from Ana Sophia Heger) on the run. Their flight from danger becomes a twisted road trip of survival that forces both of them to learn from each other in ways neither is fully prepared for.

The script is tight and incredibly effective, absent of wasted moments and forced sentimentality. It’s dark and unrelenting, packed with gritty, emotional storytelling that refuses to play it safe. There’s very little hope in this world, but just enough humanity to keep you rooting for these two damaged souls. The dynamic between Nate and Polly is the heart of the film, and their evolving relationship is as heartbreaking as it is compelling. Polly’s slow transformation from scared little girl to someone almost comfortable in (and sometimes excited by) the world of crime is disturbing, but it’s handled with care, never glamorized, and is always tragic.

Heger gives one of the strongest child performances in years. She’s magnetic, complex, and completely believable. It’s a breakout role that could (and should) launch a massive career for the young actor. Egerton matches her, showing both grit and emotional vulnerability as a man trying to outrun his sins while teaching his daughter how to survive in a world he helped corrupt. The casting is absolutely perfect, and it elevates the movie tenfold.

The film builds toward a chaotic finale which doesn’t quite land as solidly as the rest of the movie, especially because parts of it are very unbelievable. But even that can’t overshadow how well-constructed the journey is. This is a story that’s less about plot twists and more about psychological impact. It’s the kind of film that keeps viewers emotionally involved.

With its powerful and emotionally bruising tale of loyalty, vengeance, and the terrible cost of love in a broken world, “She Rides Shotgun” is not an easy watch, but it’s a damn good one.

By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS

Official Trailer

She Rides Shotgun( 2025)

All a father needs is a fighting chance.

Overview

Top Billed Cast

Social

A review by Manuel São Bento

Written by Manuel São Bento on Thu Jul 31 2025

Media

Recommendations

Facts

Status

Original Language

Budget

Revenue

Keywords