Midnight in the Switchgrass

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 23, 2021

Genre
Crime, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Megan Fox as Rebecca Lombardi
• Bruce Willis as Karl Helter
• Emile Hirsch as Byron Crawford
• Lukas Haas as Peter
• Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly) as Calvin
• Caitlin Carmichael as Tracey Lee
• Sistine Stallone as Heather

Director
Randall Emmett

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut for a feature film

Producer

• Randall Emmett
• George Furla
• Luillo Ruiz
• Tim Sullivan
• Alex Eckert

Writer

• Alan Horsnail

Budget
Estimated at $15 million

Production Company

• Emmett/Furla Oasis Films
• BondIt Media Capital
• Pimienta

Running Time
99 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language
• Disturbing images
• Sexual content

Movie Story
“Midnight in the Switchgrass” is a crime thriller based on true events, centering around an FBI agent and a Florida state police officer who team up to solve a string of unsolved murder cases in the southern United States. The film follows Rebecca Lombardi (Megan Fox), an FBI agent working undercover to track down a notorious human trafficking ring. She is partnered with Karl Helter (Bruce Willis), a seasoned FBI agent nearing the end of his career.

During their investigation, Rebecca and Karl cross paths with Florida state police officer Byron Crawford (Emile Hirsch), who has been tracking a serial killer responsible for the deaths of several young women. As they dig deeper into the case, the investigation leads them to Peter (Lukas Haas), a seemingly ordinary man who hides a dark secret.

The investigation becomes increasingly dangerous as Rebecca goes undercover to lure the killer out, but things take a turn for the worse when she is captured by the suspect. As the clock ticks down, Byron races against time to find Rebecca before she becomes the killer’s next victim.

“Midnight in the Switchgrass” explores themes of justice, corruption, and the dark side of human nature, with a narrative that weaves together suspenseful crime drama and intense action sequences. The film also delves into the emotional toll of working in law enforcement, highlighting the personal struggles of the characters as they face the horrors of their profession.

Special Effects
The film relies on practical effects and tense, gritty cinematography to create its dark and foreboding atmosphere. The special effects are used to heighten the intensity of the action sequences, particularly during the confrontations between law enforcement and the criminal elements. The use of lighting and sound design further enhances the suspense, making the viewer feel the urgency and danger faced by the characters.

Box Office Performance
“Midnight in the Switchgrass” was released in select theaters and on video-on-demand platforms. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with some praising the performances of Megan Fox and Emile Hirsch, but others criticizing the film’s pacing and plot. Despite the mixed reception, the film garnered attention due to its cast and the true crime elements that inspired the story.

Filming Locations

• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Notable Quotes

• “Justice isn’t always served in the courtroom. Sometimes, you have to go out and get it yourself.” – Rebecca Lombardi
• “Some people are just born broken.” – Byron Crawford

Behind-the-Scenes
“Midnight in the Switchgrass” marks the directorial debut of Randall Emmett, a prolific producer known for his work on action films and thrillers. The film was inspired by the real-life pursuit of the Truck Stop Killer, a notorious serial killer active in the 1980s and 1990s. Megan Fox and Bruce Willis brought star power to the project, while Emile Hirsch delivered a gritty performance as a dedicated law enforcement officer. The production faced challenges related to shooting on location in Puerto Rico, particularly with coordinating action sequences and ensuring the safety of the cast and crew.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Midnight in the Switchgrass” is a gritty crime thriller that offers a mix of suspense and action, driven by the performances of its lead actors. While the film may not stand out in the crowded crime genre, it provides a tense, atmospheric story that will appeal to fans of true crime dramas. Megan Fox and Emile Hirsch deliver solid performances, and the film’s dark, brooding tone effectively captures the sense of danger and urgency that permeates the narrative. For viewers who enjoy crime thrillers with a focus on law enforcement and the hunt for a killer, “Midnight in the Switchgrass” offers a decent, if somewhat formulaic, experience.

IMDb Rating
4.4/10