THE BLUFF (2026)
THE BLUFF (2026)
Starring: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, Temuera Morrison
Genre: Action / Adventure / Historical Thriller
Release: February 25, 2026 on Amazon Prime Video
Review
The Bluff (2026) is a gritty, swashbuckling action-adventure that blends pirate thrills with emotional depth, anchored by a fierce central performance from Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Directed by Frank E. Flowers and produced by the Russo brothers’ AGBO, the film embraces its R-rated pirate roots while adding family stakes and survival urgency to the mix.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas stars as Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden, a retired pirate trying to live quietly with her family in the 19th-century Caribbean. Chopra brings astonishing physicality and presence to the role — her Bloody Mary is strategic, brutal in combat, and layered with emotional complexity as she balances her violent past with her maternal instincts.
Karl Urban is menacing as Captain Connor, the relentless figure from Ercell’s past whose thirst for revenge drags her back into the violent world she thought she’d left behind. Urban’s intensity adds real danger, turning the conflict into more than a hunt — it’s personal, psychological, and deeply violent.
The story thrives on its mix of spectacle and sentiment. Sword fights, tactical ambushes, and brutal shipboard combat form the backbone of the action, each encounter grounded in stakes that feel genuinely earned: Ercell isn’t just fighting pirates — she’s fighting for her family’s survival and her own redemption.
Visually, the film blends sweeping Caribbean vistas with blood-soaked skirmishes and tight close-quarters action. The world feels lived-in: sun-baked docks, creaking ships, and cavernous hideouts all set the stage for kinetic combat and tense standoffs. Costume and production design lean into the era’s rugged authenticity, making every duel and ambush feel visceral.
Narratively, The Bluff balances high-octane action with heartbeat pauses that explore parenthood, fear, and legacy. Ercell’s dual role as protector and warrior drives the film’s emotional core, making her both a symbol of vengeance and of love tempered by loss.
Quick Verdict
Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivers a powerful, action-driven lead performance Karl Urban is a formidable antagonist with edge and menace Intense swordplay and tactical confrontations Strong emotional stakes elevate the action Gritty, historical pirate world realized with flair
8.1 / 10The Bluff (2026) is a thrilling, character-driven pirate drama that marries savage action with heartfelt stakes — a welcome addition to streaming originals and a standout role for Chopra Jonas.
