The Bluff Review: Priyanka Chopra’s Fierce Performance Can’t Rescue This Sinking Pirate Drama

Frank E. Flowers’ The Bluff kicks off with promise, opening on a gripping action set piece in which Priyanka Chopra storms through a gang of pirates with startling ferocity.

In that moment, the film crackles with energy — only to lose momentum whenever its lead steps away from the fight. That uneven rhythm ultimately defines the movie, which squanders a strong premise, capable cast, and slick action in favour of a largely forgettable experience.

Set in a picturesque Caribbean settlement, the story follows Ercell Borden (Priyanka Chopra), a fishwife living a quiet life with her son and sister-in-law. Her fragile peace shatters when a feared pirate, Connor (Karl Urban), resurfaces with a vendetta tied to her past and her captured husband, TH Borden (Ismael Cruz Córdova). Forced to confront a history she tried to bury, Ercell reclaims her notorious alter ego, Bloody Mary, to defend her family.

The film positions Priyanka as both myth and underdog. Physically dwarfed by the menacing pirates around her, she is nevertheless endowed with near-superhuman combat prowess, transforming into a relentless force of destruction. This contrast becomes the film’s central hook, drawing viewers into an otherwise thinly sketched world where Priyanka’s presence commands attention.

Violence is the film’s most striking feature. The Bluff embraces an R-rated intensity, with bloodshed delivered in graphic, unrestrained bursts. Bodies fall, limbs fly, and confrontations unfold with visceral brutality reminiscent of stylised revenge thrillers. The idyllic coastal backdrop heightens the shock value, juxtaposing serene scenery with savage action.

Yet beneath the spectacle lies a disappointingly formulaic narrative. The plot unfolds along predictable lines, relying heavily on familiar tropes and telegraphed twists. What might have worked as a taut short film instead feels stretched, with repetition and clichés weighing down the two-hour runtime. Unlike filmmakers who elevate genre conventions through innovation or flair, Flowers struggles to rise above the story’s inherent simplicity.

Priyanka Chopra emerges as the film’s clear standout. She brings conviction to the demanding action sequences while preserving a sense of emotional depth rarely afforded to hyper-violent protagonists. Her portrayal balances brutality with vulnerability, lending Bloody Mary an unexpected humanity. Unfortunately, her performance alone cannot fully rescue the film from its structural weaknesses.

The supporting cast, though impressive on paper, is underutilised. Karl Urban’s antagonist feels overly familiar, echoing shades of prior roles without carving a distinct identity. Temuera Morrison’s character is insufficiently developed, while Ismael Cruz Córdova is relegated to a fleeting presence.

Ultimately, The Bluff falls short not through outright failure but through mediocrity. Despite flashes of stylish action and a committed lead performance, it never quite transcends its predictability. The genre — particularly action films led by women — deserved a sharper, more memorable entry.

The Bluff premieres on Amazon Prime Video on February 25.