‘The Mule’ (2018)
Earl Stone (Clint Eastwood) is a man with few options left in life. He’s pushing 80, he’s estranged from his family and his finances are a mess. Desperate for cash, he agrees to become a drug courier for a Mexican cartel. Because of his age and friendly demeanor, the cops don’t suspect him at all and — for a while — he’s good at being a drug mule. But his success draws the attention of DEA agent Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper), who wants to stop Earl and the cartel he’s working for. With no way out, Earl will have to make some hard choices if he wants to see his estranged family again.
A surprise hit when it was released in 2018, The Mule is a classic Eastwood thriller that features everything you like about the legendary actor-director: a lead character who is mostly silent and conflicted; a tight story that gets more tense as it progresses and a supporting cast featuring some of the best actors working today. The Mule isn’t a crime drama like Sicario — it’s quieter and subtler, but it’s just as great as that Denis Villeneuve picture.