Guns Up (2025) – Crime Thriller | 6 Feb 2026
Guns Up is an explosive crime thriller that blends mob tension, emotional stakes, and relentless pacing into one gripping night of survival. Set to stream on Lionsgate Play on 6 February 2026, the film delivers a story where danger is constant and time is the greatest enemy.
Unlike typical action flicks that focus only on gunfights, Guns Up places family at the emotional core. As a result, every decision feels heavier, every move riskier, and every second more intense.
Plot Overview
Ray Hayes has spent years working as a mob henchman for a powerful crime organization known as “The Family.” However, he is finally ready to walk away from the violent life. Just as he prepares to leave, his final assignment spirals into chaos. Suddenly, everything goes wrong.
Now, the clock is ticking.
Ray, who is also a former cop, realizes the organization will not let him go quietly. Therefore, he has only one night to get his completely unaware family out of the city before the mob eliminates him — and possibly them too.
As Ray races against time, the story becomes a tense mix of action and emotion. On one hand, he must deal with ruthless criminals hunting him down. On the other, he must protect his family without revealing the dangerous truth about his past. Consequently, the film becomes a nerve-wracking journey of loyalty, sacrifice, and survival.
Why Guns Up Stands Out
While many mob thrillers focus purely on crime politics, Guns Up adds emotional urgency. Because Ray’s family doesn’t know about his criminal life, every moment is layered with tension. Additionally, the single-night timeline keeps the pace fast and intense.
Moreover, the film explores the idea of redemption. Ray is not just running from danger; he is trying to fix the damage of his past. As the night grows darker, his choices become more desperate, yet more meaningful.
Cast and Characters
The film features a strong cast that brings depth to the high-octane narrative:
- Kevin James as Ray Hayes
- Christina Ricci as Alice Hayes
- Maximilian Osinski as Antonio Castigan
- Luis Guzmán as Ignatius Locke
- Melissa Leo as Michael Temple
- Leo Easton Kelly as Henry Hayes
- Keana Marie as Siohbán Hayes
- Timothy V. Murphy as Lonny Castigan
Together, the performances balance intense action with emotional realism, which makes the story feel personal as well as dangerous.
Behind the Scenes
Guns Up is written and directed by Edward Drake, who brings a sharp, fast-paced style to the film. He also serves as a producer alongside Jeffrey Greenstein, Jon Keeyes, Mandi Murro, J. J. Nugent, and Tobias Weymar.
The film is backed by several production companies, including Millennium Media, BondIt Media Capital, Good Complex, and Rearview Pictures, while Vertical handles distribution. As a result, the movie carries strong production value and polished action sequences.
Themes in the Film
- The cost of a criminal past
- Family versus loyalty
- Redemption under pressure
- Survival against impossible odds
- Truth hidden from loved ones
Because of these themes, Guns Up works not just as an action thriller but also as a character-driven drama.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Guns Up promises a tense, emotional, and action-packed ride. Since the story unfolds over one critical night, the suspense never slows down. If you enjoy crime thrillers where personal stakes are just as high as the gunfire, this film is worth watching.
