In Buried in Barstow, Angie Harmon plays Hazel King, a former hitwoman who once worked for a powerful crime syndicate after being recruited off the streets of Las Vegas at age 15. But everything changed when she found out she was pregnant. Hazel chose to leave that violent life behind, fleeing to the desert town of Barstow, California, where she now runs a quiet diner and raises her teenage daughter, Joy.
But Hazel’s past refuses to stay buried. When a mysterious man named Elliot (Kristoffer Polaha) shows up and a new threat emerges, Hazel is forced to confront the deadly world she thought she had left behind—and tap into her lethal instincts once again to protect the one thing she holds most dear: her daughter.
🎭 Performance Review
Angie Harmon delivers a standout performance in one of the most compelling roles of her career. Her portrayal of Hazel is layered and gripping—a woman hardened by her past but softened by motherhood. Harmon balances fierce intensity with deep vulnerability, making Hazel both relatable and dangerous.
Kristoffer Polaha brings a cool and enigmatic presence to the screen, and Lauren Richards, as Hazel’s daughter Joy, adds emotional weight to the story with a quietly effective performance.
🔪 Action & Atmosphere
Though it’s an action-thriller, Buried in Barstow isn’t just about gunfights and suspense. The film is more character-driven, with tightly choreographed action sequences sprinkled throughout. The tension builds gradually, maintaining a strong emotional undercurrent that focuses on the bonds of family, the cost of secrets, and the toll of violence.
The setting—filmed in Shelby, North Carolina standing in for the California desert—creates a grounded, almost noir-like mood, lending authenticity to Hazel’s gritty world.
🎬 Direction & Writing
Directed by Howard Deutch and written by Thompson Evans, the film keeps viewers engaged with a slow-burn story that feels fresh within the familiar assassin-turned-mother trope. While some scenes feel like setups for future installments, the character development and emotional stakes are strong enough to carry the film on its own.
⭐ Final Verdict
Buried in Barstow is a well-paced, emotionally charged action-drama that offers more than just bullets and blood. It’s about redemption, motherhood, and the fight to outrun one’s past. With a compelling lead performance by Angie Harmon and an ending that hints at more to come, this is a must-watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.