Any parent watching "She Rides Shotgun" will feel uncomfortably tense from the very beginning. Eleven-year-old Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) waits to be picked up after school. Her mother never arrives. Finally, another person shows up: her father, Nathan McClusky (Taron Egerton), suddenly released from prison. He convinces her to hop into his battered vehicle, even though it's obvious his presence is unauthorized. Bad things are about to happen.
Polly quickly discovers that Nathan has betrayed a corrupt sheriff (John Carroll Lynch) and interfered with his criminal organization. Therefore, he's been given the green light. In other words, his life is in danger, as is Polly's. Father and daughter go on the run, trying to avoid arrest by the sheriff's men. Polly quickly discovers that Nathan is capable of extreme violence when provoked.
Director: Nick Rowland
Writers: Ben Collins, Jordan Harper, Luke Piotrowski
Stars: Ana Sophia Heger, Jamie Bernadette, Goldie Tom
She Rides Shotgun is a twisted take on the old idea of a failed father and a wounded son helping each other heal. What sets it apart is that Nathan isn't a good guy, despite his love for Polly. He's aggressive and often immoral. The suspense in the opening scenes arises from watching the girl witness his volatile personality and wonder what aspects of it might rub off on her. Egerton gives an excellent performance, showing how Polly's initial disbelief transforms into acceptance.
The first hour of the film is its best for that reason. It has a raw, nervous energy as we realize Nathan is putting his daughter in danger to save her. The interactions between the characters are unsettling. You can sense Polly's fear, but also her desire for protection in a terrifying situation. Egerton does an exceptional job, showing how this deeply flawed individual still retains a shred of decency.
The second hour is a bit more conventional, focusing on Nathan's inevitable confrontation with the sheriff. The film delves into brutal violence as the situation comes to a head, especially towards the end. The awkward dynamic between Nathan and Polly is slightly relegated to the background at this point. In some ways, She Rides Shotgun is cornered by having to resolve the male conflict in an explosive way. However, the tension is enough to keep you hooked, thanks to Egerton's charisma and Lynch's menace.
Director Nick Rowland maintains a tense pace from start to finish and presents one of the best cinematic chases in recent years. However, the heart of the film lies in the connection between Egerton and Polly. Despite the minor issues She Rides Shotgun may present, their tense on-screen bond makes this thriller an undeniable emotional impact.
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