In “Boneyard,” a police chief, a detective, and an FBI agent unite to track a serial killer, whose victims’ skeletal remains are scattered across the New Mexico desert. As their differing agendas and investigative approaches collide, suspicion spreads widely.
If you’re interested in thriller movies, you might be on a search for a good thriller movie. Is “Boneyard” worth a watch? Read on to learn more about the latest thriller “Boneyard”.
Inspired by Tragedy: The Real-Life Roots of ‘Boneyard
The West Mesa murders, a chilling chapter in Albuquerque’s history, remain relatively obscure outside the region despite their gravity. The bones of eleven women, girls, and a baby were found in 2009 by a woman out for a dog walk in an undeveloped region of West Mesa.
This discovery shed light on a string of disappearances that occurred between 2001 and 2005. Asif Akbar, who is also the film’s co-writer and director, used this tragic discovery as the inspiration for his film “Boneyard,” which is based on true events but makes artistic choices with its characters and story to create dramatic effect.
“Boneyard,” a gritty crime thriller, stays faithful to the core facts of the case while crafting a fictional narrative around them. Director Asif Akbar and cinematographer Joshua Reis use a variety of visual approaches, sometimes working against the story’s advancement by fusing handheld indie aesthetics with sepia tones and black-and-white shots.
The film explores Chief Carter’s (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) struggle against departmental corruption, notably from rogue ex-undercover cop Tate (Michael Sirow), potentially linked to the West Mesa killings.
As Selena, a key witness who may have information essential to solving the case, Gabrielle Haugh gives a powerful performance. Playing a spooky recluse straight out of “The Silence of the Lambs,” Weston Cage becomes a major suspect.
Mel Gibson plays Petrovick, a federal profiler who is at the centre of the story. In his voiceover, he blames his sorrow, having lost his daughter in a devastating drive-by shooting. However, the movie’s dependence on cliched individual motivations affects almost all of the main characters, weakening the narrative’s cohesion.
Because of the fragmented nature of the script, dramatic moments take precedence over coherent storytelling, giving each character a fleeting period of emotional intensity even when their arcs aren’t fully developed.
Visuals that Clash with Narrative
While Joshua Reis’ cinematography and R.J. Cooper’s brisk editing keep “Boneyard” watchable, the film suffers from a lack of momentum, tension, and atmosphere. It frequently has the feel of a TV serial, complete with wobbly, fake-urgent camera work.
The movie fails to evoke a true sense of approaching danger. Although the actors who play prostitutes or other victims can stir up sympathy, the entire execution is not as skillful as it should be to create genuine tension.
A dedication to the West Mesa Murder victims occurs at the end of the movie, although it feels forced. “Boneyard” fails to provide a compelling or fair narrative, leaving a sense of exploitation in place of paying tribute to these young women’s memories.
The end product is a B-movie that, in addition to failing to fully honour the tragic events that served as its inspiration, runs the risk of further undermining the testimonies of the victims by its mediocrity.
Also Read: The Imaginary Review: Marvelous Visuals and A Captivating Story
Conclusion
“Boneyard” falls short of its potential as a compelling thriller inspired by the tragic West Mesa murders. Despite a dedicated cast and occasional moments of intensity, the film struggles with pacing issues, a fragmented narrative, and a lack of genuine suspense.
While it attempts to honour the victims’ memory, the overall execution feels exploitative rather than respectful. Viewers seeking a gripping thriller may find “Boneyard” disappointing due to its uneven storytelling and stylistic choices that detract from its thematic weight.