The Best Violent Director In Years Finally Making New Crime Noir, Stream His Greatest Movie On Netflix

Set against the ominous backdrop of New York City’s clandestine underworld, The Big Stone Grid follows the harrowing journey of two decorated detectives as they unravel a nightmarish extortion ring plagued by sadistic murders. With casting details expected to be unveiled soon, anticipation is high for S. Craig Zahler’s trademark style of meticulous storytelling, intense action sequences, and gruesome but entertaining violence.

Fans who’ve been paying attention to S. Craig Zahler’s blog may have noticed that the director claimed a “big announcement” was coming this year. It’s been six years since his last project, Dragged Across Concrete, was released and fervent fans are ready for more. While nothing official has been announced, it’s quite possible The Big Stone Grid was the announcement Zahler was referencing. 

The announcement of The Big Stone Grid comes on the heels of Ridley Scott’s adaptation of S. Craig Zahler’s novel, Wraiths of the Broken Land. It also comes following the news that what was supposed to be Zahler’s next movie, Hug Chiceknpenny, was scrapped due to financing issues. The project was based on his book about a gothic puppet tale, envisioned as a 3-hour black and white film akin to David Lynch’s Elephant Man, and it had already sourced a cast and collaboration with the Jim Henson company before it was tossed in the can. 

S. Craig Zahler is known for his uncompromising vision and distinctive narrative voice. Despite facing scrutiny regarding his alleged political affiliations, Zahler remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing art over politics, a philosophy evident in the raw and unapologetic nature of his work. In response to critics claiming his movies are made for the MAGA crowd, Zahler has stated he’s “not politically driven; I’m not very politically interested.” 

While we stay tuned for more news, you can catch up on one of S. Craig Zahler’s greatest projects on Netflix. Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a 2017 American neo-noir prison action thriller film written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, featuring Vince Vaughn as well as Jennifer Carpenter, Don Johnson, Udo Kier, Marc Blucas, and Tom Guiry. 

Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, the plot revolves around Bradley Thomas, a drug mule forced to undertake a dangerous mission within a maximum security prison to save his pregnant wife from a wrathful drug lord. Zahler conceived the script after immersing himself in various prison films, casting Vaughn for his departure from his typical comedic roles and dedication to authenticity. 

Filmed in Staten Island, New York City, production for the S. Craig Zahler movie spanned from August to October 2016 with a budget of $4 million. Premiering at the 74th Venice International Film Festival, Brawl in Cell Block 99 saw a theatrical release in October 2017, garnering positive reviews for Vaughn’s performance and its gritty 1970s-grindhouse aesthetic, earning recognition from esteemed publications like the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and The A.V. Club.