u/Jordan_Eddie

Filmed all the way back in 2023 and sitting on the shelf for an extended period of time, one wondered if we were ever going to get to Guy Ritchie’s latest project In the Grey.

Releasing over the last week with what can nicely be described as muted fanfare and anticipation at best, Grey is once more continuing on Ritchie’s career trend that has seen the filmmaker churn out feature film and TV projects at a rate that gives Ridley Scott a run for his money, which in turn mostly means we are getting projects that needed more time in the kitchen to properly cook up.

Clocking in at a refreshingly fast-paced 90 or so minutes, there is little meat on the bones of Grey, another Ritchie “heist” like film that here follows Eiza González as a broker/lawyer to the criminal underworld Rachel who’s two errand boys Sid (Henry Cavill) and Bronco (Jake Gyllenhaal) join her on a mission to recover billions owed by Carlos Bardem’s business operator Manny Salazar.

Unravelling for the first half almost purely as an exposition dump, with the majority of proceedings taking place under the voice overs of González and Gyllenhaal, Grey is very Ritchie in nature but it’s distinctively lacking for the most part in his charm and charisma while it’s undeniable that this pretty piece of throwaway entertainment wastes the star power of its two leading men.

Both previous collaborators with Ritchie, Cavill and Gyllenhaal must enjoy being a part of Ritchie’s projects and there’s no doubt a film like Grey would be a lot of fun to bring to life with its designer clothes, extensive toys and playful ad-lib like nature, but a lot of Grey feels stilted and held back and the natural screen presence of the two performers is mostly dormant here as they progress through a narrative that’s hard to get overly excited about.

In some ways it’s great to see the likes of Gyllenhaal and Ritchie continuing on their path of career enjoyment after years of big projects and for the sake of Gyllenhaal awards baiters but we’re also at the point now where it’d be refreshing to see them join forces for something with more substance or creativity, as there’s only so far films like Grey can go.

An instant box-office and critical dud that’s sure to engage with massive viewing numbers once its fast-tacked to VOD then a streaming service soon after, Grey offers some mindlessly entertaining viewing for its brief cameo like appearance but considering this is coming from the man who once gave us the likes of Snatch, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and blockbuster delights like Sherlock Holmes, it’s another dull career moment for Ritchie who might never again reach the heights of career triumphs if he stays on this trajectory.

Final Say –

Pretty to look at and easy to consume, providing a mid-tier level cinematic sugar rush, In the Grey has its moments but they’re not enough to make this newest Guy Ritchie outing a winning one as the filmmaker continues to reach for the low hanging fruit.

2 1/2 sombreros out of 5

After the success of Gosling's latest venture, keen to hear everyone's Top 10 picks from him.

He really has had an all-time run over the past 10 - 15 years.

Mine below -

10. The Big Short (2015)

Gosling plays – Jared Vennett

A key member of Adam McKay’s large ensemble for his first foray into more serious territory with the insightful and highly entertaining The Big Short, Gosling and his co-stars worked their magic with some what you’d think to be dry subject matter to make The Big Short one of 2015’s biggest surprise hits.

9. The Notebook (2004)

Gosling plays – Noah

It’s easy to dismiss The Notebook as nothing more than a well-made Hallmark weepy but when it comes to romantic dramas that tug on the heartstrings The Notebook really is right up there with the best of the best. Rising to great heights thanks largely to Gosling and his co-star Rachel McAdams chemistry (that from all reports wasn’t true to real life), The Notebook remains to this day a quintessential genre entry that has rarely been bettered.

8. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

Gosling plays – Luke

Those that have seen Derek Cianfrance’s epic would know what I mean when I say Place Beyond the Pines doesn’t play out the way you’d expect from initial expectations but it’s all the better for it. A challenging, well-acted and beautifully filmed crime drama that hits hard, Pines is one of the more undervalued minor masterpieces of the modern era.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Gosling plays – “K”

An amazing result of a final product despite its box office troubles, much like its forefather, Blade Runner 2049 was another stunning sci-fi spectacle from esteemed director Denis Villeneuve that further established him as one of the modern greats. A large film that deserved far more of a big-screen audience than it got, 2049 is now well and truly regarded as a modern classic that will live long into the future.

6. Remember the Titans (2000)

Gosling plays – Alan Bosley

One of the most well-liked and re-watched sport themed films in cinematic history, Remember the Titans is a Denzel Washington led classic that age shall not weary. With a loaded cast of up-and-coming stars, including a then fresh-faced Gosling, Titans had many stars aligning to make it the film it ended up being, a crowd pleaser with heart and soul and one of the most accessible sporting dramas of all time.

5. Drive (2011)

Gosling plays – Driver

An endlessly cool film that many have tried to replicate in the years that followed its release, Drive may be short on dialogue and light on plot but it’s a gripping viewing experience that showcased a whole different side to Gosling as a leading man. Gosling and his Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn worked together again on the less successful Only God Forgives, proving that lightning doesn’t always strike twice but allowing us to appreciate just how uniquely successful Drive was.

4. Project Hail Mary (2026)

Gosling plays – Ryland Grace

A substantial recent hit for Gosling and the movie industry in general, Project Hail Mary is a rare crowd-pleasing sci-fi that has ample heart, humour and creativity to boot. Christopher Miller and Phil Lord’s big budget adventure is likely to live out a long shelf life in the years to come, proving once more that Gosling is one of the best in the business when it comes to delivering high quality films that can appease critics and audiences alike.

3. Blue Valentine (2010)

Gosling plays – Dean

One of the more raw and intimate relationship films I can recall sitting through, Blue Valentine is an unashamedly tough watch but it’s an important one, showcasing the talents of Gosling and his Oscar nominated screen partner Michelle Williams at the same time. A gut-wrenching drama that I am sure many could relate to in some way; Valentine is worthy of seeking out if you’ve yet to endure it.

2. First Man (2018)

Gosling plays – Neil Armstrong

One of the most criminally underrated features of the past 10 years, First Man is a stunning achievement in multiple ways and features an understated performance from Gosling who has arguably never been more impressive at supressing his natural charms. An enthralling and captivating experience that perhaps wasn’t the crowd-pleasing biopic many had hoped for, First Man should continue to be revaluated as the masterpiece it always was.

1. La La Land (2016)

Gosling plays – Sebastian

The Oscar winner that wasn’t, La La Land is an abundantly enjoyable and engaging movie musical that flew to the stars off the back of Damian Chazelle’s enthusiastic direction and the all-time performances from his leading duo Gosling and the Oscar winning Emma Stone. One of my fondest personal experiences in the theatre watching a movie, La La Land was an instant classic that was questionably not rewarded with the Oscars key award during its awards run.

Keen to hear everyone's Top 10 picks!

Mine below -

10. The Big Short (2015)

Gosling plays – Jared Vennett

A key member of Adam McKay’s large ensemble for his first foray into more serious territory with the insightful and highly entertaining The Big Short, Gosling and his co-stars worked their magic with some what you’d think to be dry subject matter to make The Big Short one of 2015’s biggest surprise hits.

9. The Notebook (2004)

Gosling plays – Noah

It’s easy to dismiss The Notebook as nothing more than a well-made Hallmark weepy but when it comes to romantic dramas that tug on the heartstrings The Notebook really is right up there with the best of the best. Rising to great heights thanks largely to Gosling and his co-star Rachel McAdams chemistry (that from all reports wasn’t true to real life), The Notebook remains to this day a quintessential genre entry that has rarely been bettered.

8. The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

Gosling plays – Luke

Those that have seen Derek Cianfrance’s epic would know what I mean when I say Place Beyond the Pines doesn’t play out the way you’d expect from initial expectations but it’s all the better for it. A challenging, well-acted and beautifully filmed crime drama that hits hard, Pines is one of the more undervalued minor masterpieces of the modern era.

7. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Gosling plays – “K”

An amazing result of a final product despite its box office troubles, much like its forefather, Blade Runner 2049 was another stunning sci-fi spectacle from esteemed director Denis Villeneuve that further established him as one of the modern greats. A large film that deserved far more of a big-screen audience than it got, 2049 is now well and truly regarded as a modern classic that will live long into the future.

6. Remember the Titans (2000)

Gosling plays – Alan Bosley

One of the most well-liked and re-watched sport themed films in cinematic history, Remember the Titans is a Denzel Washington led classic that age shall not weary. With a loaded cast of up-and-coming stars, including a then fresh-faced Gosling, Titans had many stars aligning to make it the film it ended up being, a crowd pleaser with heart and soul and one of the most accessible sporting dramas of all time.

5. Drive (2011)

Gosling plays – Driver

An endlessly cool film that many have tried to replicate in the years that followed its release, Drive may be short on dialogue and light on plot but it’s a gripping viewing experience that showcased a whole different side to Gosling as a leading man. Gosling and his Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn worked together again on the less successful Only God Forgives, proving that lightning doesn’t always strike twice but allowing us to appreciate just how uniquely successful Drive was.

4. Project Hail Mary (2026)

Gosling plays – Ryland Grace

A substantial recent hit for Gosling and the movie industry in general, Project Hail Mary is a rare crowd-pleasing sci-fi that has ample heart, humour and creativity to boot. Christopher Miller and Phil Lord’s big budget adventure is likely to live out a long shelf life in the years to come, proving once more that Gosling is one of the best in the business when it comes to delivering high quality films that can appease critics and audiences alike.

3. Blue Valentine (2010)

Gosling plays – Dean

A couple cannot halt the downward spiral of their marriage.

2. First Man (2018)

Gosling plays – Neil Armstrong

One of the most criminally underrated features of the past 10 years, First Man is a stunning achievement in multiple ways and features an understated performance from Gosling who has arguably never been more impressive at supressing his natural charms. An enthralling and captivating experience that perhaps wasn’t the crowd-pleasing biopic many had hoped for, First Man should continue to be revaluated as the masterpiece it always was.

1. La La Land (2016)

Gosling plays – Sebastian

The Oscar winner that wasn’t, La La Land is an abundantly enjoyable and engaging movie musical that flew to the stars off the back of Damian Chazelle’s enthusiastic direction and the all-time performances from his leading duo Gosling and the Oscar winning Emma Stone. One of my fondest personal experiences in the theatre watching a movie, La La Land was an instant classic that was questionably not rewarded with the Oscars key award during its awards run.

My Top 10 picks below.

Would love to hear others thoughts.

10. Christopher Abbott

Notable roles – Poor Things, Possessor, It Comes at Night

Making his film debut back in 2011 in the memorable Martha Marcy May Marlene, American actor Christopher Abbott has continued to deliver over the past 15 years with a range of notable indie turns and prominent roles in bigger budget fair. Lined up to appear in one of his biggest projects yet in the high-profile East of Eden miniseries, at the age of 40, Abbott’s career still feels like its ready to really hit the big time.

9. Joseph Quinn

Notable roles – Stranger Things, Warfare, Gladiator 2

For some he may always be Stranger Things favourite Eddie Munson but Quinn is a lot more than his iconic mulleted hero. Currently filming his role as legendary Beatles member George Harrison and playing a prominent part in the new Avengers outing, Quinn is set to become even more of a household name of the next few years as he progresses on his way to becoming one of cinema’s biggest stars, with all the talent to boot.

8. Odessa A’zion

Notable roles – Marty Supreme, Until Dawn, I Love LA

Still very much in the early stages of her budding career, having one of her more prominent career patches in 2025 thanks to a key role in critical darling Marty Supreme and HBO show I Love LA, Odessa A’zion is still somewhat of an unknown entity but based off recent years you’d be a brave soul to bet against her becoming one of the biggest and brightest young talents in the world.

7. Owen Cooper

Notable roles – Adolescence, Wuthering Heights

It may seem somewhat unfair to throw teenager Owen Cooper into a list like this but for the millions of others like me that were wowed by the British performers work in hit Netflix miniseries Adolescence, it’s clear to see that the Emmy winner is showing all the signs of becoming one of the biggest talents we’ve seen in the modern era. With a key role in esteemed director Tom Ford’s long awaited next feature film soon to come, the hype around Cooper is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

6. Josh O’Connor

Notable roles – Challengers, Wake Up Dead Man, The Crown

Steadily building up his C.V from indie fair into prominent mainstream outings, notably in the soon to release new Spielberg blockbuster Disclosure Day, Josh O’Connor’s spent the better part of the last decade showcasing a vast array of acting chops and his keenness to test himself in challenging arthouse products as well as notable event pictures is the perfect formula for him to remain front and centre to awards voters in the many years to come.

5. Juno Temple

Notable roles – Killer Joe, Ted Lasso, Fargo

Undoubtedly most well-known to viewers as Keeley Jones from hit Apple series Ted Lasso, Juno Temple has been crafting an impressively diverse and consistent collection of films and TV since making her debut all the way back in 2000. Temple’s ability to play it straight, demented and funny is testament to her considerable range and when she gets the right chance in the right film, it’s highly likely she will deliver a performance that is undeniable to Academy voters.

4. Zendaya

Notable roles – Dune, The Drama, Spider-Man: Homecoming

A brand unto herself, Zendaya has quickly and surely become one of Hollywood’s most powerful entities. Consistently delivering quality products and attaching herself to some of the most challenging and notable works of recent times sets Zendaya up to become a major awards player for decades yet to come with her recent turn in hit The Drama potentially her likely first time as a nominee.

3. Jack O’Connell

Notable roles – Starred Up, Unbroken, Sinners

Finally starting to get some more wider recognition after big roles in recent horror films 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Sinners and hit British show Rogue Heroes, one gets the feeling that one-time child actor Jack O’Connell is about to launch into the stratosphere. With all due respect, O’Connell should have already been in Academy conversations for the likes of Sinners, Starred Up and Unbroken and as he enters this new phase of his career we can only hope he starts to get his just rewards.

2. Cailee Spaeny

Notable roles – Civil War, Beef, Alien: Romulus

Everything about Cailee Spaeny’s early work makes one believe she is going to be one of the most prominent and powerful actresses working in Hollywood for the foreseeable future. Holding her own against alien scum in horror hit Alien: Romulus and standing out in A24 hit Civil War, Spaeny is an undeniable talent who’s acting gifts appear at this stage to be unlimited.

1.  David Jonsson

Notable roles – The Long Walk, Industry, Rye Lane

Gaining massive industry attention thanks to his turn in the well-received if not hugely well-known Rye Lane, David Jonsson has shown no signs of slowing down off the back of notable turns in Alien: Romulus and a role where he deserved awards recognition in sleeper hit The Long Walk. Still in his early 30’s, Jonsson’s career is shaping up nicely to become one of the most eclectic and diverse amongst his fellow peers.

Who are the actors you believe are headed for Oscar winning stardom? Let me know in the comments below!