Bruton – Movie Review (4/5)

BRUTON is a true crime movie that focuses on the experiences of being in the Florida prison system. The story is told with both sincerity and an acute sense of humor. Something that makes it all the more entertaining. Based on a true story. Read our full Bruton movie review here!

BRUTON is a movie that turned out to be way more educational than I ever expected. It’s based on a true story as it’s biographical, showing us the life of Bryan Bruton as he was experiencing the Florida prison system.

The story of this criminal, who lives long enough to be able to choose a life outside crime, is told with so much heart and humor that I couldn’t help but love it. Also, yes, this is one of those stories that seem so wild, you wouldn’t believe it if it were fiction. And yet, this actually happened.

Continue reading our Bruton movie review below. The movie will world-premiere at Locarno 2026.

Theo Rossi is Bryan Bruton

Bruton is inspired by the true story of Bryan Bruton that played out in Jacksonville, Florida, in the mid-2000s. Bryan (Theo Rossi) has been chasing fast money for all his life, but is now living with a wife and young daughter. Still, this hasn’t stopped him from chasing the fast money.

Unfortunately for him, shortcuts to financial gain tend to involve crime. And any crime also leads to other criminals or even gangsters. While trying to go legitimate, his past catches up with him, and he ends up getting caught. The prison sentence is 10 years, which means he will miss out on his daughter’s childhood.

Once inside, Bryan Bruton is quick to work the system, which is still based on capitalism. It’s just that the rules and commerce routes are somewhat alternative. As a result, Bruton becomes involved with several businesses… and, once again, messes with the wrong people, so now he needs to get out.

Oh yes, Bruton also includes a prison break.

In the all-important title role, we have Theo Rossi (The Saviors, The Penguin), who does an amazing job. And yes, you will also see the real-life Bryan Burton, who plays a guard coming to get Theo Rossi’s version of himself after a probation hearing.

The criminals in prisons aren’t just those convicted of crimes

While going to prison isn’t meant to be a pleasant experience, it shouldn’t be a place run by thugs either.

By now, we are all aware of the corruption and financial incentives for keeping people locked up. However, what always makes me so angry when watching stories like this one is seeing the prison guards being bigger criminals than those serving time.

If this is news to you, I highly recommend checking out The Alabama Solution. A true crime documentary on HBO Max.

Precisely because the prison guards also play a huge role in the story of Bruton’s life in prison, the casting of these people is also extremely important. Fortunately, we’re treated to some wonderful talent. You can look forward to Tammy Blanchard (The Invitation) and Ronnie Gene Blevins (Squealer), especially.

Also in other key roles are Aya Cash (Stormfront on The Boys, Scare Me), Aaron Quick Nelson (Weapons), Kayden Brenna Tokarski, and Tony Hale (Opus).

Bruton is getting its World Premiere at Locarno 2026

Vincent Grashaw is the writer and director of this wild true story with Theo Rossi in the title role. While I expected to enjoy this due to the cast, I never expected so much honesty and comedy throughout.

Of course, you have to be able to laugh at your own mistakes sometimes, and it seems Bryan Bruton is very capable of that. Also, it is made very obvious that you need to fight unreasonably hard to survive an institution meant to both punish and rehabilitate, but only actually doing the former.

Sure, he should go to prison for his crimes, but having to survive both fellow inmates and other prisoners should not have to be part of the deal. I am naive in thinking this, I suppose, but surely this is the official purpose of sending someone to jail?!

In any case, Bruton is the kind of movie that you definitely won’t regret watching. In fact, it may change how you view both the U.S. prison system and the people battling it. Whether guilty or innocent, one needs to be extraordinarily strong to survive it. Or, at the very least, have a good reason to get out and never return!

Bruton is expected to get its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival on August 12, 2026.

Details

Director: Vincent Grashaw
Writer: Vincent Grashaw
Stars: Theo Rossi, Aya Cash, Tammy Blanchard, Tony Hale, Ronnie Gene Blevins