Alan Ritchson has been on a tear lately. After conquering Prime Video with Reacher and Netflix with War Machine, the actor is back with Motor City, a revenge thriller that leans hard into the John Wick comparisons. And this time, he's not just talking the talk—he's barely talking at all.
Set in 1970s Detroit, Motor City follows ex-con John Miller (Ritchson), who's on the verge of a fresh start. His parole is ending, and he's ready to propose to his girlfriend Sophia (Shailene Woodley). But when a vengeful figure from his past resurfaces, John is framed for a crime he didn't commit and sentenced to decades in prison. The setup is classic revenge fare, but the execution is anything but.
The film's boldest choice? There are fewer than a dozen lines of audible dialogue in the entire runtime. Instead, the story is told through action, expression, and a killer soundtrack. It's a gamble that mostly pays off, putting the pressure on Ritchson and the cast—including Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber, and Lionel Boyce—to convey everything through physicality and emotion. They rise to the challenge, making Motor City a visceral experience that feels like a throwback to silent-era action heroes.
Director Potsy Ponciroli leans into the lack of dialogue by making sound design and music the true stars. The soundtrack is a Guardians of the Galaxy-worthy mixtape of needle drops that add weight to every scene. The sound design, from deafening explosions to quiet moments, keeps the tension high. However, some sequences feel stretched just to let a song play out, which can drag the pacing.
When the action finally kicks into high gear, Motor City delivers. A standout elevator fight sequence uses creative camera angles and brutal choreography—all without a word spoken. The finale is packed with fun moments, though it takes a bizarre turn into corny territory that feels out of step with the film's otherwise gritty tone. It's a stumble, but not a fatal one.
Ritchson carries the film through its plot holes and inconsistencies. His physicality is magnetic, and he proves he can anchor a movie without relying on dialogue. For fans of John Wick or Ritchson's previous work, Motor City is a must-watch. It's not perfect, but it's a bold step forward for the actor's career as an action superstar.
Motor City hits theaters on July 24, 2026.
