You’ve seen the posters. You’ve probably scrolled past it on a streaming service late at night. Maybe you clicked because you saw Josh Hartnett’s face or heard that Frank Grillo was playing a "unhinged" psychopath again. But honestly, the cast of Ida Red isn't just a random assortment of B-movie actors. It's a weirdly specific, high-pedigree ensemble that John Swab managed to pull together in the middle of a global pandemic.
Most people think this is just another generic heist flick. It isn't. Not exactly. It's a gritty, neon-soaked "Oklahoman Neo-Western" that tries really hard to be Michael Mann’s Heat but with more dirt and fewer skyscrapers. If you're looking for the breakdown of who actually makes up this criminal family, you're in the right place.
The Walker Family: Blood, Cancer, and Crime
At the center of everything is the titular Ida "Red" Walker. She’s played by Melissa Leo.
Now, Leo is an Oscar winner (The Fighter), and she brings a level of terrifying, quiet intensity to a role that could have been a caricature. Ida is terminally ill, rotting away in a prison cell while still managing to run a criminal empire through her son. She’s the one pulling the strings, demanding her freedom before she kicks the bucket. It's a performance that feels almost too big for the movie, but she anchors the whole thing.
Then you have Josh Hartnett as Wyatt Walker.
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This was part of the "Hartnett Renaissance" we've been seeing lately. He plays Wyatt as the "ethical" criminal—the guy who wants out but is stuck because of "family." He runs an auto shop as a front. He’s tired. You can see it in his eyes. He’s the lead, but he’s often overshadowed by the absolute chaos happening around him.
Frank Grillo as Dallas Walker
If you came for the action, you probably came for Frank Grillo. He plays Dallas, Ida’s brother (and Wyatt’s uncle).
Grillo is basically the "hardest working man in Hollywood" at this point, but in Ida Red, he does something different. Dallas is a sociopath. He wears a cowboy hat, he's gay, and he is prone to spontaneous, violent outbursts. There is a scene where he does a weird little dance to "Promises, Promises" while doing something objectively horrible. It's bizarre. It's uncomfortable. It’s easily the most memorable part of the movie. Swab actually wrote the role specifically for Grillo, and it shows.
The Law and the Collateral Damage
Every crime saga needs a cop, and in this one, the cop is literally in the family.
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George Carroll (better known to some as Slaine, the rapper/actor from The Town) plays Detective Bodie Collier. He’s married to Jeanie, Wyatt’s sister. This creates that classic "Sunday dinner is awkward because I’m trying to arrest your brother" dynamic.
The rest of the supporting cast is surprisingly deep:
- Deborah Ann Woll (Daredevil, True Blood) plays Jeanie. She’s the one who tried to go straight, but she’s caught between her lawman husband and her criminal brothers.
- Sofia Hublitz (Ozark) plays Darla, the teenage daughter who is unfortunately starting to think the criminal life looks kinda cool.
- William Forsythe shows up as FBI Agent Lawrence Twilley. Forsythe is a legend in the "tough guy" genre, and here he plays a cranky, aging fed who is just over it.
Why This Cast Matters (The E-E-A-T Perspective)
When looking at the cast of Ida Red, you have to acknowledge the director’s intent. John Swab is an Oklahoma native. He didn't just pick these people out of a hat. He wanted to create a "Heartland Crime Saga."
The chemistry between Hartnett and Grillo is actually pretty solid. They spent time together during the COVID-19 quarantine filming this, and that "we're the only people we have" vibe translates to the screen.
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However, critics like those at Screen Rant and Watch or Pass have pointed out a major flaw: the movie has too many characters. While the cast is great, the film struggles to give everyone enough to do. You’ve got Mark Boone Junior (from Sons of Anarchy) and Beau Knapp floating around in smaller roles that probably could have been fleshed out more.
What You Should Know Before Watching
If you’re diving into this because of the cast of Ida Red, keep your expectations in check regarding the pacing.
- It’s slow. It's more of a family drama than a high-octane thriller.
- The violence is "Hard R." It’s mean-spirited and gritty.
- The ending is divisive. No spoilers here, but it doesn't go the way you’d expect a typical Hollywood heist movie to go.
The film was shot in Tulsa, and the city itself acts as a character. The "Underground" tunnels of downtown Oklahoma City make an appearance during the big climax. It gives the film a tangible, dirty feel that sets it apart from the glossy look of big-studio productions.
Next Steps for Your Movie Night:
If you enjoyed seeing Frank Grillo and Josh Hartnett together, you should look into John Swab's other work, specifically Body Brokers. It features a similar "indie-grit" feel and several of the same cast members. Alternatively, if you want more of Melissa Leo playing a powerhouse matriarch, her performance in Animal Kingdom (the movie, not the show) is a must-watch companion piece to her role as Ida Red.