Mark Wahlberg's 'By Any Means' is a bluntly drawn historical thriller that explores themes of violence and racial justice, featuring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
On September 3, 2026, Variety published its review of By Any Means, a historical thriller directed by Elegance Bratton, featuring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The film portrays Wahlberg as mob enforcer Greg Scarpa, who partners with FBI agent Wayne Strider as they navigate the complexities of violence and justice during the civil rights movement in Mississippi.
Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Civil Rights era, By Any Means tackles challenging themes of racial justice and the ethics of violence. With Wahlberg's character, mob enforcer Greg Scarpa, and Abdul-Mateen's FBI agent, Wayne Strider, the narrative explores the moral conflicts between embracing nonviolence and resorting to physical force. The film begins with an archival montage highlighting the disappearance of three civil rights workers, framing the violent context against which the characters operate.
According to Variety, while the film claims to be based on true events, certain elements are fictionalized. Wayne Strider is noted as a creation meant to illustrate the clash of ideologies between Scarpa, who utilizes brutal tactics, and Strider, who seeks to uphold the law. This historical lens aims to provoke dialogue about moral dilemmas faced during one of America’s most tumultuous periods, though it has drawn criticism for oversimplifying complex societal issues.
The film does not shy away from depicting graphic violence, often highlighting Scarpa’s brutal methods as a means to achieve his goals. Variety notes that while the film’s premise is rich in potential, its handling often veers towards reinforcing outdated tropes rather than fostering meaningful discourse on its subjects. The portrayal of a white savior narrative alongside the dynamics between the two lead characters raises concerns about the film's efficacy in addressing its themes authentically.
Despite critiques of the narrative, Variety lauds Bratton’s captivating visuals throughout the film. The cinematography by Ante Cheng exhibits an aesthetic quality that transforms even the harshest scenes into visual poetry. Beautifully shot moments juxtapose the film’s darker themes, underscoring the potential of what the film might have achieved with a more nuanced narrative.
The release of By Any Means contributes to ongoing discussions regarding the portrayal of race, violence, and morality within cinematic narratives. Although it aims to address significant historical events and their ramifications, the film's treatment of its subject matter could spark debate among audiences and critics alike about the complexities of American history and the art of filmmaking.
For more insights, check out related articles on Variety that delve into the themes around historical narratives in film, including an exploration of the implications of comparing violence and nonviolence in cinematic portrayals.
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