REVIEW: “King Ivory” (2025)

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It’s great to have James Badge Dale back in front of the camera. He started his career with a role in the 1990s film “Lord of the Flies” and has since worked with acclaimed directors like Martin Scorsese (“The Departed”) and Steve McQueen (“Shame”). He’s appeared in big movies like “World War Z” with Brad Pitt and led Michael Bay’s “13 Hours.” Though he’s often played strong supporting characters, he seemed to disappear from screens for about five years.

Actor Dale recently appeared in the acclaimed film “Violent Ends” and now takes center stage in his new movie, “King Ivory,” a crime thriller about the drug trade, written and directed by John Swab. Though Dale is the main star, the film features a large cast dealing with a complicated story. Unfortunately, a somewhat convoluted plot, along with some unusual creative decisions and uneven performances from some supporting actors, prevent the movie from reaching its full potential.

“King Ivory” juggles five separate stories and introduces numerous characters. These storylines do eventually connect, but not always in a satisfying way, creating a complex narrative for the protagonist, Swab, to navigate. The story depicts a gritty world where tough police officers battle dangerous cartel members involved in drug and human trafficking. Local mobsters enlist the help of Irish gangsters to control the cartels, and the flow of money is fueled by those addicted to fentanyl. It’s a dark and violent setting with a lot happening at once.

Most of the movie takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Dale plays Layne West, a police officer in charge of the city’s Special Investigations Division. This unit focuses on crimes like drug trafficking, gang violence, and organized crime. Layne and his team are struggling with a surge in fentanyl coming into the city, which has caused a dramatic increase in overdoses, addiction, and other crimes.

In Sinaloa, Mexico, Ramón Garza (Michael Mando), a smuggler, lures vulnerable people with the promise of a better life in America. He charges a high price to sneak them across the border. Lago (David Barcena), a promising young man, is one of his recent passengers. However, a tragic accident during their trip leaves 43 migrants dead, with Lago as the sole survivor. Ramón brings Lago to Tulsa and forces him to deliver drugs to people in the area.

The story reveals a drug war happening in Tulsa, largely controlled by the Indian Brotherhood. Holt Lightfeather, the group’s cold-blooded leader (played by the late Graham Greene), manages everything from prison while serving a life sentence. To expand his control over rival cartels, he enlists the help of George “Smiley” Greene (Ben Foster), a recently released and dangerous killer. Smiley operates with the assistance of his intimidating mother, Ginger (Melissa Leo), and his tough, Irish uncle, Mickey (Ritchie Coster).

Adding to the film’s many narratives, we also follow Layne’s stubborn son, Jack, and his introduction to fentanyl through his girlfriend, Colby. These scenes are intended to be the most impactful and revealing parts of the movie. However, the young characters and their relationships feel somewhat superficial and aren’t fully explored. Unfortunately, the acting in these scenes is often unsteady, which can be distracting. Thankfully, this storyline improves as it goes on.

“King Ivory” has some technical issues. The director tries to create a raw, intense feel, but frequently uses shaky cameras and extreme close-ups, which become distracting. However, the film’s police raid scenes are incredibly exciting and immersive, putting the viewer right in the middle of the action thanks to excellent camerawork.

The film feels incredibly real because it’s informed by Swab’s own life experiences. He gives us an unvarnished look at the difficult side of Tulsa, and he doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the current fentanyl crisis in America. While the story occasionally leans on familiar tropes, it remains thoughtful and impactful, and Swab’s personal connection to the material shines through, even with the film’s flaws.

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2025-11-14 17:58