“Wrong Place” (2022) – A Misfire in Bruce Willis’s Final Years
Wrong Place is a 2022 American action-thriller directed by Mike Burns and written by Bill Lawrence. The film stars Bruce Willis as Frank Richards, a former small-town police chief who becomes entangled in a deadly confrontation after witnessing a murder connected to a meth-dealing crime family. When the killers realize Frank is a key witness, they target his estranged daughter, Chloe, in a desperate attempt to silence him before he can testify.
Set in a rural American town, the film follows a familiar path in the genre of revenge-driven action thrillers. Chloe, played by Ashley Greene, is a cancer survivor attempting to reconnect with her father. Their reconciliation is cut short when Jake, a violent and erratic criminal, hunts them down to prevent his drug operation from being exposed. What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse chase through the woods, peppered with shootouts, emotional standoffs, and a struggle for survival.
The movie marks one of the final roles for Bruce Willis, whose health decline due to aphasia was publicly revealed shortly after filming. Although Willis has more screen time here than in some of his recent direct-to-video appearances, his dialogue is limited and his performance subdued. It is clear that the production was adjusted to accommodate his condition, resulting in scenes that feel disjointed and lacking in energy.
Critics were overwhelmingly negative in their reviews. Many pointed to the film’s weak script, clichéd plot, and uneven pacing. The dialogue is often wooden, with long, unnatural exchanges that stall the momentum of the action. The villains are poorly developed, relying on generic threats and over-the-top behavior rather than compelling motivation. The cinematography and editing also leave much to be desired, with several sequences appearing rushed or poorly blocked.
Despite its flaws, there are a few attempts to explore deeper themes. Chloe’s character arc, as a cancer survivor trying to rebuild her life, offers moments of sincerity. The film also touches on father-daughter dynamics and personal redemption, though these emotional beats are quickly overshadowed by its clumsy action scenes and lackluster execution.
Ashley Greene delivers a sincere and committed performance, doing her best to ground the film’s emotional core. Her portrayal of Chloe adds a touch of credibility to an otherwise uneven story. Supporting cast members include Texas Battle as a local police officer and Michael Sirow as the unstable antagonist, Jake. While they bring intensity to their roles, the script doesn’t give them much depth to work with.
Ultimately, Wrong Place struggles to rise above its direct-to-video limitations. It may hold some value for dedicated Bruce Willis fans or viewers curious about his final roles, but most audiences will find it forgettable. The film serves as a somber reminder of the challenges the actor faced in his last years of working. As a thriller, it lacks suspense, style, or originality. As a tribute to a legendary action star, it feels like a missed opportunity.
