| Day of Reckoning | |
|---|---|
| Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Shaun Silva |
| Written by | Travis J. Opgenorth |
| Produced by | Ali Afshar Daniel Aspromonte Don Lepore Christina Moore |
| Starring | Billy Zane Zach Roerig Scott Adkins Ali Afshar Trace Adkins Cara Jade Myers |
| Cinematography | Keith J. Leman |
| Edited by | Brett Hedlund |
| Music by | Jamie Christopherson |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | ESX Entertainment [3] [1] [4] Warner Bros. Pictures (through Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 106 minutes [5] |
| Country | United States [1] |
| Language | English |
Day of Reckoning is a 2025 American western action thriller film [4] directed by Shaun Silva. The film follows a struggling sheriff who teams up with a tough U.S. Marshal to detain a cunning female outlaw.
The film premiered at Paleyfest on March 24, 2025, and was released on March 28, 2025.
Sheriff John Dorsey, struggling with declining public confidence and personal issues, captures Emily Rusk, a wanted outlaw linked to a dangerous criminal network. The federal authorities assign U.S. Marshal Butch Hayden to transport Emily to a secure facility, with Dorsey ordered to assist in the transfer. The escort team departs across a remote desert route, where tensions arise due to Emily’s calm but perceptive demeanor.
During the journey, Emily subtly exploits the deputies’ insecurities, creating distrust and weakening the cohesion of the group. Hayden attempts to maintain control, but several members of the escort grow increasingly unstable as Emily’s remarks expose hidden conflicts among them. Dorsey becomes aware of the deteriorating state of the team but is unsure how to counteract Emily’s influence.
The transport is ambushed by a heavily armed group led by Caleb Rusk, Emily’s husband, who intends to retrieve her. The attack results in several casualties and causes surviving deputies to flee or turn against each other. With their group effectively collapsed, Dorsey, Hayden, and Emily take cover and attempt to hold off Caleb’s advancing forces.
Under pressure, Dorsey and Hayden form a reluctant partnership with Emily, who provides strategic information about Caleb’s methods and likely movements. Although her motives remain unclear, her knowledge becomes essential to their survival. Together, the three navigate the terrain while attempting to evade Caleb’s gang.
The confrontation culminates in a final clash between the trio and Caleb’s remaining men. Hayden is wounded during the fight, and Dorsey confronts Caleb in a decisive struggle. Emily intervenes during the conflict, contributing to Caleb’s defeat. Following the battle, federal agents arrive and take Emily back into custody.
In the aftermath, Dorsey’s actions restore some of his professional credibility, while Hayden acknowledges his role in resolving the crisis. Emily’s ultimate fate remains uncertain beyond her return to federal detention, leaving the long-term consequences of the events ambiguous.
American Pickers star Mike Wolfe and model Leticia Cline make cameo appearances. [6]
Filming began at Atlanta in December 2024. [7] [ better source needed ]
On January 28, 2025, Scott Adkins and Trace Adkins joined the cast for the film. [8]
Day of Reckoning premiered at the Paleyfest at Los Angeles on March 24, 2025, [9] and was released in the United States on March 28, 2025, by ESX Entertainment. [4] One day before the film's release, a song for the film titled "That Someday", written by Trace Adkins, was released. [10]
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment released Day of Reckoning on digital on April 29, 2025. [11]
Alex Z. Johnson of Vocal Media gave the film four out of five stars, and wrote "Day of Reckoning is a thrilling, action-packed film that transcends typical genre expectations by grounding its story in real emotional stakes". [12]
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