The Wasteland Reviewer

The Stunt Driver (2026) Written Review

Who is Ken Carter? Many people know the name “Evel Knievel”. He was one of the most prolific daredevils who rose to a point of pop culture relevance where people still know him today. Stunt drivers like this seem to be more of a thing of the past but their stories and accomplishments are still compelling enough to explore today. Carter might not be as well-known as Knievel, but he is a Canadian figure who had quite the amazing life all the way up to his tragic end. Frequent collaborators Jay Baruchel and Michael Dowse, a pair of proud Canadians, bring Carter’s story to life with this new biopic, The Stunt Driver.

What does Dowse bring to the table from behind that camera? This is a vintage story with a vintage feeling. You can tell that Dowse wanted to replicate the feeling of films from the 70s and The Stunt Driver succeeds quite well. Cinematographer Sara Mishara does a great job of giving the film a visual texture that replicates film stock of the era. The film has an authentic documentarian style that makes it feel even more grounded and naturalistic. The music certainly captures the period setting as well thanks to composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer and some inspired needle drops. The production design, costumes, and car designs all match the vibes as well which helps reinforce that more grounded and naturalistic feeling. The pacing of the film is not what you would call “high energy” but Dowse is able to keep up an entertaining and engaging presentation throughout the modest runtime. There is a good sense of humor in the film (a more playful vibe for sure) but there are some key emotional beats that deliver too (especially towards the end of the film).

Does Dowse do justice to Carter’s story? In many ways, this is a film structured in a similar way too many films. The film focuses heavily on an aged Carter who is attempting to turn back the clock and do one last impressive death-defying stunt. Dowse does not navigate new spaces in how he structures and tells this story but that does not mean it lacks impact. The Stunt Driver delivers a sobering look at aging and losing a step in a professional sense. Carter’s journey navigates this growing fear and hesitation that gets in the way of him reaching the summit (if you will) one last time. The dangerous lifestyle also takes a toll on his marriage which is an emotional core to the film. His wife, Gloria, is not the most unique wife character in film but her presence still feels essential. There is a nefarious subplot injected too that finds an outside monetary force confronting the more hesitant approach Carter takes with this stunt. Dowse’s screenplay explores this daredevil lifestyle and community quite well as this engaging story has a greater context. The characters in the film certainly fit certain archetypes but Dowse and the cast find their own way to put their spin on them. Familiar? Sure. In the end, The Stunt Driver does deliver a satisfying and impactful finale.

Speaking of, how successful is the cast in bringing Carter’s later-in-life story to life? The key to the whole film must be Baruchel who brings Carter to life. This is certainly a more reserved performance than we are used to from Baruchel. There is maturity and grit that he aims for to deliver this aging stuntman. There is a drier wit in this performance instead of a more awkward neuroticism like many of Baruchel’s previous turns. You even get a few emotionally impactful moments. Laurence Lebeouf is saddled with the wife’s character here and she makes the most of it. The chemistry between Baruchel and Lebeouf is quite effective and the final scene shared between them is one of the most impactful in the film. Ed Helms, like Baruchel, delivers a much more reserved and mature performance. He has a veteran presence and slides in some quality humor throughout. Ben Foster is such a chameleon actor, and he brings a swagger and presence to Knievel that makes him stand out in the minimal scenes he has. But there are some surprising layers that he brings to life as well. Another fun turn comes from Dan Bakkedahl whose performance is a little showier but makes for such a fun antagonistic force in the film.

Does Dowse make a refreshing biopic to experience in the theater? This old school presentation is such a strength for telling this classic tale. The deeper roots thematically give The Stunt Driver added depth. Baruchel leads a quality cast in roles that give them some space to find new ground as actors. There are thrilling and harrowing moments throughout and a good bit of heart. A pleasant surprise for the start of fall movie season.