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The Samaritan
The Samaritan
The Samaritan
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The Samaritan
DVD cover
Directed byDavid Weaver
Written byDavid Weaver
Elan Mastai
Produced byElan Mastai
Andras Hamori
Suzanne Cheriton
Tony Wosk
StarringSamuel L. Jackson
Luke Kirby
Ruth Negga
Tom Wilkinson
Gil Bellows
Aaron Poole
CinematographyFrançois Dagenais
Edited byGeoff Ashenhurst
Music byTodor Kobakov
Distributed byH2O Motion Pictures EntertainmentOne
Release dates
  • March 3, 2012 (2012-03-03) (Kingston Canadian Film Festival)
  • May 18, 2012 (2012-05-18) (Canada)
Running time
90 minutes
CountryCanada[1]
LanguageEnglish

The Samaritan, known as Fury in the United Kingdom, is a 2012 Canadian crime drama film co-written and directed by David Weaver, and starring Samuel L. Jackson.[1] A trailer was released on its website.[2]

Plot

[edit]

Foley gets out of prison after 25 years, for killing his best friend and grifting partner. His partner's son, Ethan, takes him to Xavier's nightclub and tries to recruit him into a grift he's planning, and Foley turns it down, saying he wants to go straight. Ethan goes to the kitchen area where Xavier is dealing with someone who has been caught stealing from him. Xavier leaves it with Ethan to recover the stolen money.

When his initial efforts fail, Ethan sets in motion a plan that leads Foley to come to the aid of Iris, a young addict being harassed in a bar. Foley and Iris eventually enter into a relationship, and she reveals that she is in financial debt to Ethan.

After Foley and Iris have started sleeping together, Ethan reveals to Foley that Iris is his daughter. He uses her as leverage to force Foley to do the job. Ethan has sent Jake to Iris's apartment to kill her, and Foley races to save her. Foley sends a battered Jake back to Xavier.

Foley visits Iris's grandmother who confirms Iris's identity and is sickened by the unintended incest.

The grift is put into place, and it's revealed that Xavier is the mark.

Foley's female accomplice is found hanging having committed suicide, Iris takes her place in the scam.

During the grift to con Xavier out of $8 million, and after a series of altercations between Foley, Xavier, Ethan and Iris, Iris is wounded by Ethan, and she reveals that she had eventually deduced that Foley is her father. Ethan is shot and wounded, Xavier tries to escape but is killed by Foley. Foley returns to Iris who is again shot and mortally wounded by Ethan, Foley then kills Ethan. Foley rushes away to a doctor with his daughter who is desperate for a blood transfusion to save her life. Foley volunteers as he is a compatible blood type, but dies during the procedure. Iris flees to a far away land, she visits a bank and checks that the money from the grift is in her account.

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]
DVD cover with the UK title Fury

The film was released as Fury on April 20, 2012 in the United Kingdom. The film was released as The Samaritan in a "pre-theatrical release" through Time Warner Cable's on-demand channel.[3]

Reception

[edit]

Roger Ebert gave it three stars out of four saying "One difference between film noir and more straightforward crime pictures is that noir is more open to human flaws and likes to embed them in twisty plot lines. "The Samaritan" isn't a great noir, but it's true to the tradition and gives Samuel L. Jackson one of his best recent roles."

The Hollywood Reporter similarly praised the film saying "A rock solid Samuel L. Jackson adeptly anchors the twists and turns of this noir crime thriller."

Despite these top critic reviews, on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 26% based on 35 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's consensus reads, "The Samaritan is a ludicrous neo-noir starring a seemingly bored Samuel L. Jackson."[4] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 37 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[5]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Samaritan

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Samaritan is a Canadian drama film co-written and directed by David Weaver, starring as Foley, a seasoned con artist who emerges from a lengthy sentence determined to abandon his criminal past. The story follows Foley as he encounters Iris (), a woman who represents a potential fresh start, only for complications from his former life—including an encounter with the son of his late partner ()—to draw him into a high-stakes scheme targeting a ruthless gangster (). Released internationally as Fury in some markets, the film blends elements with themes of redemption and the inescapability of one's history. Weaver co-wrote the screenplay with Elan Mastai, drawing on classic tropes while emphasizing character-driven tension over explosive action. The includes strong supporting performances from Negga, in an early role that showcased her rising talent, and Wilkinson, whose portrayal of the adds layers of menace. Produced on a modest budget, The Samaritan premiered at festivals before a and has since been available on various streaming platforms. Critically, the film received mixed reviews, with a 26% approval rating on based on 34 critics, who praised Jackson's committed performance but critiqued the predictable plot and uneven pacing. Audience reception was similarly divided, scoring 40% from over 5,000 users, often highlighting the film's gritty atmosphere and moral ambiguity as strengths amid its familiar narrative beats. Despite not achieving commercial blockbuster status, The Samaritan remains a notable entry in Jackson's extensive of character studies within the crime genre.

Film Overview

Plot

Foley, a seasoned grifter, emerges from a 25-year sentence determined to abandon his criminal past and embrace an honest life. Having served time for the murder of his grifting partner, Foley rents a room in a , signaling his intent to rebuild quietly in a changed world. Soon after his release, Foley is approached by the son of his late partner, Ethan, an aspiring eager to learn the trade from the veteran. Ethan enlists Foley's expertise for a high-stakes "Samaritan" scheme targeting Xavier, a ruthless owner, despite Foley's initial to return to the life he . Under pressure, Foley reluctantly agrees, reigniting old skills and drawing him back into the deceptive world of grifting. As the con progresses, Foley develops a romantic connection with a young woman named Iris, whom he meets through Ethan, which complicates his efforts to stay on the straight path. This relationship heightens the moral conflicts Foley faces, as he navigates loyalty to his past associates against his desire for redemption. Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Foley anchors the story's emotional core, embodying the tension between change and inevitability. The narrative unfolds through escalating dilemmas that underscore themes of redemption, , and the persistent pull of one's history, as Foley's choices test whether he can truly escape his former life.

Cast

The principal cast of The Samaritan features a strong ensemble that underscores the film's crime drama atmosphere, with leading as the weathered protagonist navigating redemption and temptation. Samuel L. Jackson portrays Foley, the lead grifter and ex-convict who emerges from a 25-year sentence grappling with moral conflicts between his desire for a straight life and the pull of old habits. plays Ethan, the ambitious son of Foley's late partner and his young partner in the con, embodying a new generation of criminals eager to exploit Foley's expertise for a high-stakes scheme. stars as Iris, Foley's romantic interest, whose vulnerability injects emotional depth into the narrative's tense underworld dynamics. appears as Xavier, the ruthless nightclub owner and target of the con. In supporting roles, plays Bartender Bill. portrays Jake, a figure entangled in the film's criminal web. Other ensemble members include as Helena, contributing to the interpersonal tensions among the grifters. The casting of Jackson, with his authoritative screen presence, notably enhances the film's noir sensibilities through his nuanced depiction of quiet desperation.

Production

Development

The screenplay for The Samaritan was co-written by director David Weaver and Elan Mastai, originating from Weaver's longstanding interest in grifter narratives inspired by classic noir films and con artist tales such as . Weaver sought to blend original elements with genre conventions, drawing additional influences from Neil Jordan's and , as well as , to create a character-driven story. The project was formally announced in March 2011, with slated to commence the following week in and Rio de Janeiro. Produced by Andras Hamori, Suzanne Cheriton, and Tony Wosk under H2O Motion Pictures in association with Lumino Pictures, Middle Child Films, , and Quickfire Films, the film received financing support from , the Harold Greenberg Fund, and the Ontario Media Development Corporation. Entertainment One was secured as the Canadian distributor at the announcement stage. Central to the creative vision was an emphasis on psychological depth and atmospheric tension rather than action, exploring themes of redemption and consequence in a darker tone distinct from lighter con films. Samuel L. Jackson's rapid attachment as the lead actor, after receiving the script through Weaver's representative, was instrumental in advancing the project to production.

Filming

Principal photography for The Samaritan commenced on March 20, 2011, in , , , serving as the primary filming location to capture the film's gritty urban environments. Toronto's neighborhoods, including the area around The Lakeview Restaurant in Little Portugal, were utilized to evoke authentic, noir-infused atmospheres central to the story's tension. The production, rooted in 's , maintained a tight schedule typical of independent Canadian features. François Dagenais employed moody, techniques to underscore the film's aesthetic, drawing on Toronto's urban shadows for visual depth. , including editing, was completed in by Geoff Ashenhurst, ensuring a seamless integration of the location footage. No significant delays or reshoots were reported during . The production favored practical effects in staging the con scenes, aligning with the film's low-budget, character-driven approach over extensive digital enhancements.

Release

Distribution

The Samaritan had its world premiere at the on January 29, 2012. It followed with a Canadian premiere at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival on March 3, 2012, before receiving a in on May 18, 2012, distributed by Entertainment One. In the , the film was released under the title Fury on April 20, 2012, a change intended to attract action-oriented audiences. The U.S. distribution was minimal, consisting of a very limited theatrical run beginning May 18, 2012, through IFC Films. International sales were managed by H2O Motion Pictures, with rights sold to distributors including Entertainment One for , ARD/Degeto for , for , and others prior to its festival screenings. The film screened at additional festivals such as the Kingston Canadian Film Festival but did not achieve wide international theatrical expansion beyond select territories. Digital and streaming availability began on November 30, 2016, with platforms including , followed by broader access on services like AMC+ and in subsequent years. As of November 2025, it is available on AMC+, , and , among others.

Marketing and promotion

The promotional strategy for The Samaritan centered on leveraging festival screenings to generate buzz among enthusiasts, beginning with its world premiere at the on January 29, 2012, where attended to highlight his lead role as the ex-convict Foley. This was followed by a screening at the Kingston Canadian from March 1 to 4, 2012, targeting Canadian indie audiences and emphasizing the film's noir elements. These festival appearances served as key platforms to build early word-of-mouth without relying on large-scale . Trailers and posters prominently featured to capitalize on his star power, with the official trailer released in March 2012 showcasing Foley's struggle to escape his criminal past after prison. One poster included the tagline "you've got to know the secret to tell a secret," underscoring the film's themes of deception and redemption in the grifter underworld. With a limited , efforts were concentrated on Canadian and U.K. markets, where the film received distribution support from Entertainment One in and Revolver Entertainment in the U.K. Press activities included junkets in , capitalizing on the film's Canadian production roots, and in ahead of its U.K. release. Additional tie-ins involved alignments with thriller-focused events at festivals, though no major corporate partnerships or merchandise campaigns were developed. In the , the film was retitled Fury to broaden its appeal by distancing it from the original title's biblical associations. Promotion faced inherent challenges stemming from the film's niche positioning as a low-key crime thriller and its limited theatrical distribution by IFC Films, which restricted wider visibility and marketing reach.

Reception

Critical response

The critical reception to The Samaritan was mixed to negative, with reviewers praising the lead performance while critiquing the script's lack of originality. On , the film holds a Tomatometer score of 26% based on 34 critic reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10, and the audience score stands at 40%. assigns it a score of 37 out of 100, derived from 15 reviews, further indicating generally unfavorable responses. Among the positive responses, awarded the film 3 out of 4 stars, commending Samuel L. Jackson's portrayal of Foley as one of his strongest recent roles and highlighting the twisty plot that adheres to noir traditions despite its flaws. lauded the noir crime thriller elements, noting Jackson's rock-solid anchoring of the narrative's turns and the overall gritty vibe. Critics also appreciated the ensemble chemistry, particularly the dynamic between Jackson and as the crime boss Xavier, which added tension to the con-artist dynamics. However, common criticisms focused on the film's predictable structure and pacing issues. Variety described it as proceeding down a "routine path" in the crime drama , with boilerplate storytelling that lacks innovation despite strong efforts from the cast. Reviewers noted uneven pacing, with early scenes feeling glum and slow, while the plot rushed toward its conclusion without deeper development. The general consensus emphasized solid acting, especially from Jackson, but faulted the script for weak originality, resulting in a derivative experience. Reviews frequently appreciated the film's exploration of Foley's redemptive arc, portraying his struggle to escape a criminal past as a compelling character study, though some found the resolution hasty. Critiques often pointed to underdeveloped female characters, such as Iris (played by Ruth Negga), whose romantic subplot felt underdeveloped and unconvincing, reducing her to a trope that sagged the narrative's momentum. The film's premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival generated some initial positive word-of-mouth for its festival screening energy.

Box office performance

The Samaritan had a of approximately $12 million. The film earned a worldwide gross of $15,220, including a domestic opening weekend of $1,744 from three theaters and a total U.S. and gross of $2,521, with the remaining $12,699 coming from negligible international earnings, primarily in . Its underperformance stemmed from a limited theatrical release confined to just three domestic screens, the niche appeal of its independent crime thriller genre, and intense competition in the 2012 box office landscape, which saw major releases dominating audiences. The mixed critical reception likely contributed to subdued audience interest as well. Long-term revenue from and streaming proved minimal, with no significant reported sales or ancillary income, underscoring the film's status as a commercial disappointment relative to its budget.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_samaritan
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1867093/
  3. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-samaritan
  4. https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/the-samaritan-1117946965/
  5. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-samaritan-2012
  6. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/samaritan-santa-barbara-film-review-286277/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1867093/plotsummary/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1867093/fullcredits/
  9. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_samaritan/cast-and-crew
  10. https://thatshelf.com/interview-the-samaritan-director-david-weaver/
  11. https://variety.com/2011/film/news/samuel-jackson-to-play-the-samaritan-1118034047/
  12. https://www.movieinsider.com/m8803/the-samaritan
  13. https://moviemaps.org/movies/4cv
  14. https://www.blogto.com/eat_drink/2025/01/lakeview-restaurant-toronto-movies/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1867093/releaseinfo/
  16. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/apr/19/fury-review
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/18/movies/the-samaritan-starring-samuel-l-jackson.html
  18. https://www.amcnetworks.com/press-releases/ifc-films-takes-u-s-rights-to-samuel-l-jacksons-the-samaritan/
  19. https://www.queensjournal.ca/tag/kingston-canadian-film-festival/
  20. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-samaritan/umc.cmc.71scx9573q1rctrjbg7k88t6j
  21. https://filmfestivals.com/blog/santa_barbara/27th_sbiff_was_the_world_premiere_of_the_samaritan_2012
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9hjmSqZrdk
  23. https://www.filmofilia.com/poster-for-the-samaritan-starring-samuel-l-jackson-95965/
  24. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Samaritan-The
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1867093/companycredits/
  26. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/the-samaritan-starring-samuel-l-jackson-not-much-good-about-toronto-crime-noir/article_8f941203-8d42-54f9-ab03-27ee3f43bbf1.html
  27. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-samaritan
  28. https://reason.com/2012/05/18/the-samaritan-and-lovely-molly/
  29. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1867093/
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