Review: The Bluff (2026) – A brutal pirate tale with plenty of action
In The Bluff, Priyanka Chopra Jonas returns to action as Ercell, a fiercely protective mother whose quiet life in the Caribbean is shattered when a group of ruthless pirates comes after the treasure hidden near her island home. Directed by Frank E. Flowers, the film also stars Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, and Temura Morrison.
This is definitely a dad-core type of film. It’s brutal, bloody, and very much built around gritty action and pirate lore. Chopra Jonas steps comfortably back into the action genre here, playing a woman who refuses to be a damsel in distress. Ercell is resourceful, relentless, and more than capable of holding her own when the violence escalates.
Karl Urban plays Captain Connor, and once again shows just how easily he can transform into whatever role he’s given. Audiences know him most as Billy Butcher from The Boys – and though he has the classic looks of a leading man, when Urban leans into character work that ability to completely disappear into a role continues to be one of his biggest strengths.
Director Frank E. Flowers brings a personal touch to the story. The idea for the film is rooted in the pirate lore he grew up hearing about while living in the Cayman Islands, and that influence shows in the film’s atmosphere and setting. The tropical backdrop adds texture to the action, even when the story itself follows a familiar path.
At the end of the day, The Bluff is exactly what it sets out to be: a gritty action film with pirates, violence, and high-stakes survival. Is it the kind of movie that will sweep awards season? No. But if you enjoy pirate stories and don’t mind the brutality, it’s an entertaining ride.
I’ll admit, it felt like a movie I’ve seen variations of before – but it was still a solid time watching from my couch.
The Bluff is streaming on Prime Video, February 25th.
02/27/26 S10:E17 Broadcast Package
