Netflix Is Losing This Underrated 2018 Crime Thriller Starring a Movie Legend

As August draws to a close, Netflix will be shuffling its lineup — bringing in plenty of new movies but also taking out some others.

One of those films leaving is The Mule, a 2018 thriller directed by and starring the legendary Clint Eastwood.

Whether you’d be rewatching it or seeing it for the first time, The Mule is a gripping film with an incredible backstory that’s definitely worth checking out before it exits the streamer on August 31.

Here’s why the Watch With Us team thinks you should watch The Mule now.

It’s Inspired by an Unbelievable True Story

The Mule tells the story of Earl Stone, a veteran and horticulturist who becomes a drug mule for a Mexican cartel, transporting thousands of dollars worth of drugs across the state of Illinois. While this may seem bizarre, it’s actually based on the life of a real man — Leo Sharp, who at the age of 90 became a mule for the Sinaloa cartel. An article in The New York Times about Sharp caught Hollywood’s attention, eventually leading to the film adaptation.

While Earl is a fictionalized version of the character, the real-world roots of The Mule’s story make it all the more engrossing.

It’s a Story of Redemption

Throughout his life, Earl grew more and more obsessed with work and distanced himself from his loved ones. Though his decision to become a mule leads him down a dark path, it’s a path with many twists — and one that ultimately brings him closer to his family. Without spoiling too much, we’ll just say that Earl’s journey is a redemptive one — and surprisingly uplifting.

It’s a Crime Thriller With a Stellar Cast

One of the most intriguing elements of the story is the relationship between Earl and Colin Bates (Bradley Cooper), the DEA Agent tasked with finding him. The DEA and the cartel, led by Gustavo (Clifton Collins Jr.), are two conflicting forces constantly putting pressure on Earl. In the meantime, his family — ex-wife Mary (Dianne Wiest), daughter Iris (Alison Eastwood) and granddaughter Ginny (Taissa Farmiga) — serve as both a motivation and an excuse to continue his behavior.

What makes The Mule stand out is the way it blends tense cartel drama with heartfelt family moments. The scenes between Earl and his family add emotional stakes that balance the crime-driven plot, reminding us that the consequences of his actions extend beyond himself. The performances are top-notch across the board — the film also features Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia and Michael Peña — making the movie both thrilling, captivating and unexpectedly moving.

Watch The Mule on Netflix now.