Watch Brawl in Cell Block 99

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a 2017 crime thriller directed by S. Craig Zahler and starring Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Carpenter, and Don Johnson. Vaughn plays Bradley Thomas, a former boxer who turns to drug trafficking to support his family. When a deal goes wrong, he is caught and sent to prison, leading him to take extreme measures to protect his loved ones.

The opening scenes of the film set the gritty tone, as Vaughn's character is shown working at an auto shop before getting into a fight with his wife over their financial struggles. Despite his violent tendencies, Bradley is a sympathetic protagonist, as his motivations stem from a desire to provide for his wife and unborn child. Vaughn infuses the character with a mix of toughness and vulnerability, playing against his usual comedic typecasting.

After being arrested, Bradley is given an ultimatum by an estranged associate: kill an inmate in a maximum-security prison or face consequences for his wife and unborn child. The first half of the film largely focuses on Bradley's time in prison, as he navigates the violent hierarchy and attempts to find a way to protect his family without resorting to murder. The prison scenes are brutal and unrelenting, with Zahler's direction emphasizing the physical toll of the fights and the bleakness of the setting. The absence of music and the sparse dialogue add to the sense of isolation and danger.

As the story progresses, Bradley is forced to navigate even more dangerous situations, leading to the titular brawl in cell block 99. The fight sequence is a standout moment, showcasing Vaughn's physicality and the film's commitment to practical effects. Unlike many modern action films, the fight is shot in long takes with minimal editing, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the choreography and brutality on display.

Throughout the film, Jennifer Carpenter plays Bradley's wife, Lauren. Although she has limited screen time, Carpenter imbues Lauren with a fierce protectiveness and a willingness to do whatever it takes to keep her family safe. Don Johnson also delivers a memorable performance as the warden of the prison, bringing a sly charisma to his character that makes him simultaneously charming and dangerous.

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is not a film for the faint of heart or those looking for a lighthearted viewing experience. The violence is unrelenting and often gruesome, with Zahler's direction refusing to shy away from the physical toll of the fights. However, for those who enjoy a gritty crime thriller with strong performances and a commitment to practical effects, it is a must-see. Vaughn's performance alone is worth the price of admission, showcasing a side of the actor rarely seen on screen. Brawl in Cell Block 99 may not be for everyone, but for those who can stomach its brutality, it is a thrilling and well-crafted feature.

Brawl in Cell Block 99 is a 2017 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 79.