'Grace Point' Review: A Gritty Wilderness Thriller with a Beating Heart
- Romey Norton
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - June 16, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Ozark took a wrong turn into Euphoria territory, with a pit stop at True Detective, then Grace Point might be your next must-watch. This twisty, tightly wound thriller drops father-son drama into a suspense-filled survival story that punches as hard emotionally as it does narratively.
What is the film 'Grace Point' about?
Directed with a raw, unvarnished edge, Grace Point opens with a premise that feels eerily familiar: a desperate parent, a last-ditch road trip to rehab, and a teenage son one bad decision away from a life-altering spiral. But the film cleverly veers from cliché the moment they hit the eerie little gas station in the titular town of Grace Point.
Brandon and his dad, Winston, are travelling to a rehab facility when Winston is shot and Brandon is captured. All Brandon wants is to find and save his dad. The story isn’t complicated or rushed, and is easy to follow. It’s gripping from the start, with an instant shock, followed by a multitude of tension-filled scenes.
John Owen Lowe delivers a breakthrough performance as Brandon Hayes, a teenager in detox, disarray, and full-on crisis mode. His portrayal of Brandon’s physical withdrawal, emotional repression, and reluctant heroism is both believable and deeply affecting. It’s gritty work from a rising actor. He has some lovely moments with his co-star Harlan Drum - moments of vulnerability and honesty. Both have great chemistry together on screen. Andrew McCarthy, forever a Brat Pack icon, brings his signature intensity as Winston Hayes, a father equally addicted to control, fear, and regret. His role, though less present as the story progresses, serves as the heartbeat of Brandon’s fractured past and ambiguous future.
The bad characters add a layer of unpredictability to an already tense plot. Are these men friends, foes, or something more tragic? No spoilers, but let’s just say this film knows how to keep you guessing.
As the story develops, all Brandon wants to do is find his injured dad- and so do we as an audience. Not knowing if he is dead or alive helps drive the narrative along and keeps the conflict and stakes high. Even if the pace lags a little, I was invested in knowing what happens at the end.
One of the locations reminded me of a prison from The Walking Dead and gives similar apocalyptic, controlling vibes. It’s here where Brandon is locked up, and nearly all hope is lost. Then, at the end, there are even more shocking twists that I wasn’t expecting.
Grace Point works best as a psychological thriller dressed in survivalist gear. The cinematography leans into cold, overcast palettes. The soundtrack underscores Brandon’s turmoil without overstepping into melodrama, and the direction keeps things intimate, almost claustrophobic, even in the wide open.
Is 'Grace Point' worth watching?
Is it perfect? Not quite. Some characters come and go a bit too conveniently, and there are a few implausible moments, but I still recommend watching this film. Grace Point is a gripping, emotionally charged indie thriller. With solid performances, atmospheric direction, and a timely message about pain, addiction, and redemption, this is one small-town story that deserves a wide audience.
'Grace Point' is available on digital platforms
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