For “The Bluff,” now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, filmmaker Frank E. Flowers, hailing from the Cayman Islands, co-wrote a pirate film rich in action, set against the striking backdrop of the Cayman Islands but filmed in Australia. It’s kind of amusing how tax incentives dictate where movies are shot these days. However, the intriguing idea of a pirate movie in 2026 does balance out any disappointment regarding its production details. The film features Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Karl Urban as spirited rivals both after the same thing—a hidden treasure, naturally. Thankfully, the directors manage to pull off some exciting action scenes.
To Stream or Not to Stream?
The story starts in 1846, as the once-mighty Arafor Pirates begin to fade. There’s a Merchant Marine Captain named TH Bodden (played by Ismael Cruz Cordova), who finds himself in hot water when Captain Connor (Urban) and his band of misfits take over his ship. What’s the deal? Well, Connor’s not just hunting for fish. He’s been yearning for his money that Bodden owes him. Fast forward six days to Cayman Brac, where Bodden’s wife, Arcel (Jonas), their young son Isaac (Vedanten Naidu), and sister Lizzie (Safia Oakley-Green) live in a charming seaside village. It’s picturesque, but the thought of invasion hangs heavy—one can only imagine how devastating it would be if it was destroyed.
As the story unfolds, Isaac receives a knife from his father—a detail that could come in handy later. Arcel and Lizzie are getting worried because Bodden’s late. That night, Arcel spots some shady characters outside their home. Fearing for their safety, she hides Isaac, who has a leg brace, in a secret spot, only to discover that Lizzie has run off with her boyfriend. One of the shady figures, a memorable character named Scout (Greg Hutton), suffers from a particularly notable dental situation. Things escalate when Arcel is forced to defend her family fiercely, showcasing a hidden toughness—she’s no ordinary woman.
Meanwhile, we see Connor arrive, calling Bodden a hostage and dismissing the idyllic setting as fragile. Arcel’s connection to him isn’t pretty; she has a history involving his stolen money, and he’s keen to retrieve it, no matter the cost. Arcel is portrayed almost as a Caribbean vigilante, ready to take on adversaries in all-out combat, often with some help from the local wildlife to soften the blow.
In terms of movies that remind one of this film, one might say “Pirates of the Caribbean,” but with a much smaller budget, sprinkled with a bit of “Rambo” flair—just a tad of that gritty intensity.
Urban embraces his villainous role against the lush backdrop typical for pirate films, though no groundbreaking performances arise here.
As for themes like romance or nudity? There’s none to speak of.
The Final Take
What stands out is Arcel’s ability to escape peril, a familiar trope in action films. “The Bluff” serves as a nostalgic action flick that offers excitement while maintaining a minimalist script mainly designed to showcase action sequences. It features some effective long-take shots during pivotal moments, and there’s even a notable cave siege culminating in a climactic sword fight. Though not revolutionary, Flowers demonstrates a solid grasp of action pacing for what can be considered a low-budget streaming film.
The pacing is brisk, ensuring the movie doesn’t drag before reaching the gripping segments. Arcel’s internal struggles are almost absent, leaving viewers not quite knowing what she feels about her past actions. It’s a raw and unapologetic portrayal of violence, bordering on excessive.
It’s worth noting that the film leans more towards a whimsical take on piracy rather than a serious treatise on female empowerment. While deeper themes could have added substance, Flowers seems happy to keep things light with over-the-top dramatics and adventurous escapades. It finds itself as enjoyable, uncomplicated entertainment that fulfills that purpose well.
Our verdict? “The Bluff” is decent enough. It’s not something you’d want to miss on your watchlist, but it’s also not a must-see. A streaming option sounds just right.
