The Tax Collector
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 7, 2020
Genre
Crime, Thriller, Action
Cast & Crew
- Bobby Soto as David Cuevas
- Shia LaBeouf as Creeper
- Cinthya Carmona as Alexis Cuevas
- George Lopez as Uncle Louis
- Jose Conejo Martin as Conejo
- Cheyenne Rae Hernandez as Gata
- Lana Parrilla as Favi
Director
David Ayer
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Training Day (2001) (Writer)
- End of Watch (2012)
- Fury (2014)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
Producer
- David Ayer
- Chris Long
- Tyler Thompson
- Matt Antoun
Writer
- David Ayer
Budget
Estimated at $30 million
Production Company
- Cross Creek Pictures
- Cedar Park Entertainment
- RLJE Films
Running Time
95 minutes
Languages
English, Spanish
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Graphic content
- Language
- Drug use
Movie Story
“The Tax Collector” is a gritty crime thriller that delves into the violent and unforgiving world of Los Angeles gangs. The film follows David Cuevas (Bobby Soto), a “tax collector” for a crime lord named Wizard. David, along with his partner Creeper (Shia LaBeouf), is responsible for collecting a cut from the profits of local gangs across the city. They operate under the threat of extreme violence, maintaining control through intimidation and a reputation for ruthless enforcement.
David tries to balance his dangerous work life with his responsibilities at home, where he is a devoted husband and father. His wife, Alexis (Cinthya Carmona), and their two children are his anchor, providing him with a sense of purpose amid the chaos of his criminal activities. However, David’s world is thrown into disarray when an old rival, Conejo (Jose Conejo Martin), returns to Los Angeles to challenge Wizard’s dominance and take over the city’s criminal underworld.
Conejo’s arrival ignites a brutal turf war, putting David and his family in the crosshairs. As the violence escalates, David is forced to confront the realities of his life as a tax collector, the choices he has made, and the consequences they carry. Creeper, his loyal and fearsome partner, stands by his side as they attempt to protect their territory and loved ones. The film builds towards a violent and intense showdown, where survival is the only rule.
“The Tax Collector” explores themes of loyalty, family, and the moral ambiguities of life in the criminal underworld. The film is infused with the trademark grit and intensity of David Ayer’s previous work, offering a raw and unflinching look at the world of gangland LA.
Special Effects
The film relies heavily on practical effects and stunt work to create its brutal and realistic action scenes. The violence is depicted graphically, emphasizing the harsh realities of gang warfare. The use of real locations in Los Angeles adds to the film’s authenticity, grounding the story in the city’s gritty urban landscape. The cinematography and sound design work together to heighten the tension and create a sense of danger that permeates the film.
Box Office Performance
“The Tax Collector” had a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was primarily distributed through video-on-demand platforms. The film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with some praising the performances, particularly Shia LaBeouf’s portrayal of Creeper, while others criticized the film’s plot and character development. Despite the critical reception, the film found an audience among fans of crime dramas and David Ayer’s previous work.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA
Notable Quotes
- “You think you’re safe? You think you can take what’s mine?” – David Cuevas
- “I’m with you to the wheels fall off.” – Creeper
Behind-the-Scenes
David Ayer, known for his work on films like “Training Day” and “End of Watch,” returned to his roots with “The Tax Collector,” aiming to create an authentic portrayal of LA’s gang culture. Shia LaBeouf’s commitment to the role of Creeper was intense, as he reportedly got real tattoos to embody the character fully. The film also sought to depict the complex relationships within the criminal world, blending action with personal drama to create a layered narrative.
Awards
- None
Final Verdict
“The Tax Collector” is a raw and brutal crime thriller that stays true to David Ayer’s signature style. While the film’s plot and character arcs may not resonate with all viewers, its gritty portrayal of the criminal underworld and the intense performances, particularly by Bobby Soto and Shia LaBeouf, provide an engaging, if grim, viewing experience. Fans of hard-hitting crime dramas with an emphasis on action and moral ambiguity will find “The Tax Collector” to be a dark and compelling addition to the genre.
IMDb Rating
4.8/10