“Hellfire” follows a drifter who realizes he is the only one who can rescue the people of a small town from the grip of a powerful gangster.

A Town Worth Saving

The early stages of “Hellfire” succeed in turning the fictional town of Rondo, Texas, into a character of its own. The film introduces a wave of individuals in the first 30 minutes – resulting in more dialogue and less action.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Richard Lowry’s script shows patience, and it pays off.

Because of that world-building, “Hellfire” properly sets the stakes for the firepower that follows. It makes the audience root for certain characters while despising others. For a throwback-styled action movie like this, that is really all it needs.

Still, “Hellfire” goes beyond the bare minimum. Since the introduction is so strong, the later consequences feel more impactful.

Even after the midpoint, action remains minimal. But don’t worry. It comes. And it comes with a bang.

Controlled Chaos

When the action does arrive, “Hellfire” mixes rapid gunfire with hand-to-hand combat, car chases and more. At times, it leans cheesier than intended. Even so, director Isaac Florentine maintains firm control with creative set pieces and consistent style to keep the sequences entertaining.

Genre fans may find the quantity lacking. This film prioritizes quality over excess. It delivers just enough B-movie fun to make its dramatic beats rewarding. That said, the tonal shifts occasionally clash.

Stephen Lang (Nomada) leads “Hellfire,” playing a character that many refer to as the “crazy old man.” Like the town itself, Nomada hides secrets and surprises. Yet his quiet presence and underlying kindness make him instantly likable.

It is a familiar role for Lang, but one he plays exceptionally well. Unlike his mean-spirited turn in “Don’t Breathe,” this character stands firmly as a protagonist.

Scottie Thompson (Lena), Chris Mullinax (Owen) and Michael Sirow (Clyde) round out the central cast.

Style, Sound and a Rushed Finale

Composer Stephen Edwards gives the film a grassroots feel. Western hums echo throughout the runtime, reinforcing the rural small-town aesthetic.

The sound design is heightened across the board. Footsteps, punches, gunshots and knife slashes all carry extra weight. That amplification adds impact to the intense moments, though it occasionally borders on cartoonish.

At 95 minutes, “Hellfire” largely flies by. For better or worse.

By staying focused on its central narrative, the film moves without unnecessary detours. Still, it attempts to dig deeper into Nomada’s backstory in ways that feel underdeveloped. In the final act especially, the intended full-circle moments do not land as strongly as they should because that groundwork never becomes the priority.

Elements of the finale also feel rushed due to the tight runtime. While the first two-thirds remain compact and sharp, the ending comes across as slightly hollow. Not because it fails, but because it does not linger long enough.

Stephen Lang saves a town in “Hellfire.” It’s generic, sure. But the film shows enough patience to craft an engaging story from start to finish. The characters are likable. The action is serviceable. What more can you ask for?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5