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New Amazon Prime Video Movie The Bluff First Look Images
- Chris Olson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Film Feature by Chris Olson
The landscape of the modern action epic is shifting. We have moved beyond the era of simple pyrotechnics into a space where emotional stakes and high-concept storytelling must coexist. This shift is perfectly exemplified in the latest offering from Amazon Prime Video, The Bluff. As we look ahead to its release on 25th February 2026, there is a palpable sense that director Frank E. Flowers has crafted something that is both a relentless thrill ride and a poignant exploration of maternal ferocity.
At the heart of this gritty period thriller is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, delivering a fierce and physical performance that marks a significant departure from her previous roles. She portrays Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, a woman who has traded the lawless life of a pirate for the quiet serenity of the Cayman Islands. However, peace is a fragile thing for those with blood on their hands.
When her notorious former captain, Connor—played with a menacing edge by Karl Urban—resurfaces seeking a brutal revenge, Ercell is forced to reclaim the warrior identity she thought she had buried. This is not just an action heroine; this is a mother whose tactical brilliance and lethal swordsmanship are fueled by the indomitable strength of a parent’s love.
One of the most striking elements of The Bluff is its commitment to its setting. Directed by Frank E. Flowers, who co-wrote the script with Joe Ballarini, the film is steeped in the historical and cultural richness of the Cayman Islands. By filming on location, Flowers has captured the rugged beauty of the region, from the towering bluffs to the haunting atmosphere of the iconic Skull Cave.
These real-world locations provide a grounded reality to the film’s non-stop action. The choreography is a masterclass in period combat, blending:
Gripping, high-stakes sword fights.
Intricate tactical traps.
Gritty, bloody brawls that eschew Hollywood gloss for something more impactful.
It is no surprise that the film looks to carry a certain cinematic ambition, given the involvement of AGBO. Producers Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, and Angela Russo-Otstot can offer the same precision and large-scale storytelling that defined their work on Avengers: Endgame. Their production house has become synonymous with high-concept projects that never lose sight of their emotional foundation.
In The Bluff, they will need to balance the adrenaline of a pirate pursuit with the intimate story of a family under siege. The supporting cast, including Safia Oakley-Green, Temuera Morrison, and Ismael Cruz Cordova, will likely add depth to a narrative that questions the lengths one will go to protect their own. It is a story of survival and redemption that feels remarkably contemporary despite its 19th-century backdrop.
As we prepare for its debut on Prime Video, The Bluff stands out as a promising entry in the action-adventure genre. With a lean runtime of 101 minutes, it appears to be a focused, muscular piece of #filmmaking that prioritises pace and impact.
For those seeking a film that offers both breathtaking spectacle and a complex, dynamic heroine, this will hopefully be a journey worth taking.
