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The Sheriff

The Sheriff

It's a town full of suspects.

2026107 minRMidcredits score: 9th percentile of all films
Director
Josh Tessier
Starring
Henning Baum, Tom Berenger, Mark Dacascos, Jim Meskimen

A local sheriff investigates a recent murder, uncovering disturbing connections to his son's unsolved death five years earlier.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Sheriff?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Sheriff streaming on Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Free

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Sheriff?

The Sheriff earns 1 badge: Haunting.

Reception

Is The Sheriff worth watching?

The Sheriff's Midcredits score is the 9th percentile of all films, from 207 ratings across 3 sources. 19% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

9th percentile

Better received than 9% of films

17th percentile among Action10th percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)15th
Approval (how many liked it)7th

49 /100

15th percentile of all films

26th percentile among Action18th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Ratings scatter across the whole scale — one of the most divisive reactions in the catalog.

Approval

How many liked it

19% liked it

7th percentile of all films

14th percentile among Action9th percentile among 2020s
19% rated it 7–1081% rated it 1–6

63rd percentile

207 ratings across platforms

48th percentile among Action62nd percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$1M

What reviewers say

Common ground

An indie action film with a clear neo-Western tone and a recognizable cast, though opinions split on whether its execution and choices land.

Fans praised

  • grounded, gritty neo-Western look with textured lighting and wide-angle closeups
  • physical, intentional stunt work from a director with a stunt background
  • strong lead performance by Michael Edwards anchors the emotional core; Mark Dacascos adds humor

Detractors panned

  • feeble production values: Texas license plates on cars filmed in California, atrocious accents
  • unpleasant to sit through with little to keep attention
  • cast wasted, especially Tom Berenger playing against type as a villain

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive75

gritty, neo-Western tone with textured lighting and location shooting

Cinematography75

wide-angle closeups, grounded location shooting, stylized visions

ActingDivisive70

lead and supporting cast praised; critics note wasted potential and poor accents

Emotional impactDivisive65

grief and redemption arcs land in quieter moments, but rushed elsewhere

PacingDivisive65

fast-moving but dense, sometimes rushing emotional beats

Plot and storyDivisive60

dense with grief, conspiracy, and revenge, but favors momentum over logic

CharactersDivisive60

character-driven but dense with underdeveloped supporting roles

OriginalityDivisive60

familiar lone-lawman revenge tropes with a few stylistic twists

Watch experience

What is The Sheriff like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense and leaves you haunted. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholicContemplative
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material straight with a gritty, raw seriousness, occasionally lightened by eccentric humor but never undercutting its dramatic weight.
The rideThe investigation builds tension with an undercurrent of grief, likely peaking as the connections to the son's death are uncovered.
StructureThe narrative follows a conventional linear investigation, with possible flashbacks implied by the connection to the past, but not explicitly nonlinear.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Haunted.

The answer rests on this: Haunting · 14% of filmsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's focus on grief and recovery leaves a haunting sense of loss balanced by a hopeful resolution.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Mystery
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7% (this title): Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% (this title) · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Mystery: A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered. · Investigation: A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).

7% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story is driven by a sheriff's investigation of a murder that ties back to his son's unsolved death, fitting a mystery investigation.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsTruth · 4% of films
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the unresolved grief of a father investigating a murder that reopens his son's unsolved death, while the quest for truth drives the narrative.
StanceThe film appears to present the sheriff's investigation and grief without overt judgment, letting the events speak for themselves.

The world

ContemporaryRuralInstitutionalRealistic
AmbientOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Jonathan Bartz
SettingA small American town where the sheriff operates amid local crime and personal tragedy.
MusicThe score likely underscores the tension and melancholy of the investigation.

Content guide

Is The Sheriff okay for kids?

R

The Sheriff is rated R.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • UK15
  • South Korea15

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does The Sheriff have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Sheriff?

Cast

Henning Baum
Tom Berenger
Mark Dacascos
Jim Meskimen
as George
Sol Rodriguez
as Jessica Light
Milo Gibson
Patrick Cage
Rodney Damon Collins
as King
Ilyana Eberhardt
as Lina Wells
Connie Jackson
as Beth

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Sheriff?

Movies like The Sheriff include The Devil's Rejects (2005) and The Poison Rose (2019), both films set in Texas and the Southwest.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Sheriff?

214 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: neo-western. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.