I consider myself fairly well-informed when it comes to new movies, but even I have to admit that “Stand Your Ground” totally slipped by me. This grim action-thriller received a limited release back in May but has now resurfaced on Prime Video, making instant waves on the platform.
The 2025 movie is currently ranked at the foot of the streaming service’s top 10 most-watched list, and considering its somewhat topical subject matter (and the fact Prime Video subscribers love thrillers), I won’t be surprised to see it climb higher over the coming days.
Having now watched the movie for myself, “Stand Your Ground” may not be the most inspired release in the genre this year, but if you’re looking to add a dose of revenge-fueled excitement to your mid-week evening, it’ll certainly provide enough thrills to keep you watching. It’s just a shame it doesn’t achieve something more memorable with its fairly interesting components.
What is ‘Stand Your Ground’ about?
Jack Johnson (Daniel Stisen), a former special forces operative, is trying to live a peaceful life with his pregnant wife, Morgan (Roxi Kravitz), in a small town. But when hostile locals threaten them due to prejudice, things take a violent turn, and Morgan is murdered during a home invasion.
After killing one of the men responsible for his wife’s death, Jack is sentenced to six years in prison. Upon his release, his need for vengeance still burns bright, and he embarks on a quest for revenge that puts him at war with a local crime lord (Peter Stormare) and his cohorts. As the body count rises and tensions flare, Jack gears up for a final showdown.
Directed by Fansu Njie, and also starring Eric Roberts, Patrick Regis, Adam Basil, Isobel Laidler and Megan Lockhurst, “Stand Your Ground” is a brutal action-thriller that explores the dark path of revenge and how, in an effort to get even, Jack might just lose his humanity.
Should you stream ‘Stand Your Ground’ on Prime Video?
It is certainly easy to buy into Jack’s motivation in “Stand Your Ground.” Morgan’s murder is horrific, and the racial motivations are sickening. When Jack sets out to bring those responsible for her cruel death to justice, you’ll find yourself eagerly cheering him on. The movie knows this and smartly plays into the undeniable cathartic nature of Jack’s revenge quest.
There’s also a topical nature to the flick; Jack uses the “stand your ground” law to his advantage throughout his revenge mission. And this movie lands on Prime Video in the wake of Netflix’s new true crime documentary “The Perfect Neighbor,” which chronicles the killing of Ajike Owens in Ocala, Florida, and the consequences of the state’s “stand your ground” law in the real world.
Like many revenge movies before it, from “Law Abiding Citizen” to Netflix’s “Rebel Ridge,” this action-thriller follows a predictable pattern as Jack slowly makes his way up a criminal chain of command, until he’s ready to take down the kingpin, Bastion (Peter Stormare). However, by walking such a well-worn road, it does lead to a feeling that you’ve seen this story before.
The flick is also bathed in darkness and shadows. Metaphorically but also quite literally, with many scenes taking place in the dead of night. It certainly sets the tone, but several of the action sequences are frustratingly difficult to decipher, becoming little more than loud noise and chaos. Perhaps this was intentional, but it doesn’t make for great viewing.
“Stand Your Ground” has an inescapable generic quality. Even the third act exploration of Jack’s loss of his own humanity as he attempts to get revenge for an innocent life taken is nothing that hasn’t been handled elsewhere, and handled better. “Your Stand Ground” is the type of movie that suffices for a mid-week watch, but won’t live long in the memory after.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more memorable watches on Prime Video, the service just added a new romantic drama from director Nia DaCosta, and also has a twisting sci-fi thriller with 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Or you can watch the new season of “Hazbin Hotel” if you’re looking for something with a little more quirky humor to brighten up your mood this week.
Watch "Stand Your Ground" on Prime Video now
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