The Samaritan

Foley has paid his debt to the con life after two decades behind bars, but freedom comes with a heavy ghost. When a chance encounter with a sly and elusive Iris unsettles his carefully laid plans, he sees a door to something like a real new start. Iris seems to offer trust, loyalty, and a path away from the street games, if he is willing to gamble again. Yet the past is not easily shed. Old partners, debts, and a web of deception tug at him, testing whether a clean break is possible or if the old instincts will pull him back into the heat of a dangerous game. The mood stays gritty, restrained, and quietly menacing.

The Samaritan was released in 2012, directed by David Weaver, with Elan Mastai credited as creator. A thriller produced on a $12 million budget, it features Samuel L. Jackson as Foley and Ruth Negga as Iris, supported by a lean, capable ensemble.

Awards: The film did not secure major nominations or wins on the main circuits. Despite the presence of notable talent, The Samaritan did not become a fixture of awards season. Some critics noted the performances, especially Jackson, but overall recognition remained scarce.

Cultural impact: The Samaritan has not left a lasting mark on pop culture. It remains a relatively obscure thriller that fans of the cast might seek out, without spawning iconic lines or memes that define a generation. Its quiet approach and absence of knockout moments keep it from the spotlight.

Reception and themes: The film keeps the focus on moral ambiguity and the pressure of choosing redemption after years in crime. Foley and Iris drive the tension as trust frays, and the thriller mood relies on restraint rather than flashy twists. The dialogue stays spare and precise, letting tension rise.