The Big Ugly

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 24, 2020

Genre
Crime, Drama, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Vinnie Jones as Neelyn
• Ron Perlman as Preston
• Malcolm McDowell as Harris
• Nicholas Braun as Will
• Leven Rambin as Kara
• Bruce McGill as Milt
• Brandon Sklenar as Junior

Director
Scott Wiper

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Condemned (2007)
• A Better Way to Die (2000)
• The Marine 3: Homefront (2013)
• The Cold Light of Day (2012) [Writer]

Producer
Vinnie Jones
Scott Wiper
Karri O’Reilly
Matt Williams

Writer
Scott Wiper

Budget
$6 million

Production Company
Equity Pictures
Cary Brown Productions
The Exchange

Running Time
106 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence
• Language throughout
• Sexual content
• Drug use

Movie Story
“The Big Ugly” is a gritty crime drama that intertwines the worlds of British gangsters and American oilmen in a tale of revenge, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The film follows Neelyn (Vinnie Jones), a hardened enforcer for London crime boss Harris (Malcolm McDowell), who travels to rural West Virginia to oversee a business deal between Harris and American oilman Preston (Ron Perlman).

The story begins with Neelyn arriving in West Virginia, where Harris has invested in Preston’s oil business as a way to launder money. The partnership is intended to be mutually beneficial, but things quickly go awry when Neelyn’s girlfriend, Fiona, disappears after a night out with Preston’s men. Neelyn’s search for Fiona uncovers a dark side to the seemingly quiet American town, leading him to clash with Preston’s wayward son, Junior (Brandon Sklenar), a volatile young man with a history of violence.

As Neelyn digs deeper, he finds himself at odds not only with Junior but also with the entire town, which is tightly controlled by Preston’s influence. What starts as a simple business trip escalates into a violent quest for justice, as Neelyn’s brutal past comes to the forefront. The film explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the cost of vengeance, set against the stark, unforgiving backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains.

Neelyn’s journey is marked by intense confrontations and moral dilemmas as he navigates a world where law and order are determined by power and money. The narrative is driven by Neelyn’s relentless pursuit of the truth and his willingness to face overwhelming odds to avenge the wrongs done to him and those he cares about.

“The Big Ugly” is not just a story of crime and violence but also a reflection on the clash of cultures and the consequences of living a life defined by violence. The film’s raw and uncompromising tone is matched by strong performances, particularly from Vinnie Jones, who brings depth to the role of Neelyn, a man grappling with his own demons while seeking retribution.

Special Effects
The film uses practical effects to create its brutal action scenes, including hand-to-hand combat and shootouts. The special effects enhance the gritty, realistic atmosphere of the film, contributing to its intense and often grim tone.

Box Office Performance
“The Big Ugly” had a limited release, particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It found a larger audience through digital and on-demand platforms, appealing to fans of hard-edged crime dramas.

Filming Locations

• West Virginia, USA
• Kentucky, USA
• London, England, UK

Notable Quotes

• “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” – Harris
• “You can’t outrun what you’ve done.” – Neelyn
• “There’s a price to pay for everything, and I’m here to collect.” – Neelyn

Behind-the-Scenes

• Vinnie Jones, who also produced the film, worked closely with director Scott Wiper to develop the character of Neelyn, drawing on his own experiences and past roles.
• The film was shot on location in West Virginia and Kentucky, using the natural landscape to emphasize the isolation and harshness of the story’s setting.

Awards

• None (Independent film with limited festival exposure)

Final Verdict
“The Big Ugly” is a raw and intense crime drama that offers a brutal, unflinching look at the consequences of violence and betrayal. With strong performances, particularly from Vinnie Jones, and a compelling story of revenge set against a stark, unforgiving backdrop, the film stands out as a solid entry in the crime genre. While it may not appeal to all viewers due to its dark and gritty tone, fans of hard-hitting, character-driven dramas will find much to appreciate in “The Big Ugly.”

IMDb Rating
5.1/10