PANAMA (2022): Jungle Heat, Deadly Deals
Sweat-drenched, gritty, and relentlessly tense, PANAMA thrusts viewers deep into the heart of Central America’s most dangerous jungles, where loyalty is scarce and every deal could be your last. Directed with unflinching intensity by David Mackenzie, this action thriller blends political intrigue, ruthless mercenaries, and the raw power of survival.
The story follows Jack Collins (played with steely resolve by Tom Hardy), a former CIA operative turned private contractor, who is hired to oversee a covert arms deal in Panama’s lawless border regions. But when the deal goes sideways and betrayal surfaces, Jack finds himself trapped between warring factions — corrupt politicians, drug cartels, and shadowy mercenaries — all vying for control.
Eiza González stars as Isabela Cruz, a fierce local guide with secrets of her own, who reluctantly teams up with Jack. Their alliance is fraught with tension and unspoken pasts, adding emotional depth amid the chaos.
The film’s cinematography captures the oppressive heat and claustrophobic greenery of the jungle, with intense chase sequences through dense foliage, explosive firefights in remote villages, and heart-stopping river escapes. The sound design — from buzzing insects to distant gunfire — immerses the audience fully into the perilous environment.
The plot twists with brutal efficiency, exposing the ugly realities of greed, power, and survival in a world where no one can be trusted. Director Mackenzie balances visceral action with sharp political commentary, making PANAMA both a pulse-pounding thriller and a reflection on modern-day conflict zones.
Rating: 8.6/10 – Raw, gripping, and electrifying. PANAMA is a fierce journey through the jungle’s darkest corners, where every step could be your last, and every deal hides a deadly secret.
