Title: King Ivory
Year: 2025
Rating: 4.5
Cast: Ben Foster, Michael Mando, James Badge Dale
Description: John Swab's "King Ivory" (2025) isn't just another crime thriller; it's a visceral descent into the chilling reality of fentanyl trafficking, filmed with unflinching honesty. Based on meticulous research within Oklahoma's McAlester penitentiary ("Big Mac"), the film offers a raw, unsettling glimpse into the inner workings of gang operations, a perspective rarely seen on screen. Ben Foster, Michael Mando, and James Badge Dale deliver powerhouse performances, embodying the complex moral ambiguities of their characters amidst the brutal landscape of addiction and violence. Swab masterfully crafts an atmosphere of palpable tension, leaving the viewer breathlessly engaged with the high stakes and morally grey characters. Prepare for a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, a stark and unforgettable exploration of human desperation and the devastating consequences of unchecked power.