In 2021, producer Randall Emmett ventured into directing with Midnight in the Switchgrass, a crime thriller inspired by the true story of a Texas serial killer. Starring Megan Fox, Emile Hirsch, and Bruce Willis, the film initially flopped, receiving limited theatrical release and poor reviews. However, it has now found unexpected success as one of the most-watched movies on Netflix, according to Flixpatrol.
What’s the Movie About?
Bruce Willis plays FBI agent Karl Heller, who teams up with his partner Rebecca Lombardo (Megan Fox) to dismantle a sex-trafficking ring. Alongside local cop Byron Crawford (Emile Hirsch), they uncover the trail of a notorious serial killer, Trucker Peter Hillborough (Lukas Haas). When Rebecca is captured, it’s a race against time for Karl and Byron to save her and bring the killer to justice.
Critical Reception
Despite its streaming success, Midnight in the Switchgrass was panned by critics upon release. It holds a dismal 8% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers calling it “boring and predictable.” The New York Times criticized its “half-baked backstories” and “dirty atmosphere,” while Slant Magazine dismissed it as “indistinguishable from cheap action thrillers.” The Hollywood Reporter labeled it a complete failure, and The Guardian compared it to a straight-to-DVD release. Despite this, Variety offered a more tempered take, describing it as “functional exploitation” akin to “fast food.”
A Significant Film for Bruce Willis
Midnight in the Switchgrass marked one of Bruce Willis’s final acting roles. In 2022, his family revealed he had been diagnosed with aphasia, later confirmed as frontotemporal dementia. This condition has impacted his cognitive abilities, adding poignancy to his performance in the film. A Los Angeles Times exposé detailed how Willis struggled with lines and stunts during filming, yet he still delivered a commendable effort under the circumstances.
For fans looking to appreciate Willis’s extensive career, Midnight in the Switchgrass is now available to stream on Netflix.
