Introducing Diablo: Now Playing in Select Theaters and Available on Demand
Diablo is currently showing in select cinemas and can be streamed digitally or rented on demand, making it accessible for action fans everywhere.
Scott Adkins: A Master of Movement and Martial Arts Precision
How can one describe the way Scott Adkins moves? His ability to hang in the air, twist mid-strike, and deliver a powerful kick to his opponent’s face is nothing short of mesmerizing. Watching him in action feels like witnessing a cobra that has mastered ballet—graceful, deadly, and utterly captivating. In Diablo, the 48-year-old star (known for his role in the John Wick universe) is in top form, showcasing his agility and combat skills, even if his character exhibits a newfound restraint in his fury. Adkins portrays Kris, a reformed bank robber who’s pulled into Colombia to rescue Elisa, a volatile teenager played by Alana De La Rossa, from her dangerous father Vicente, portrayed by Lucho Velasco. Interestingly, Vicente is also Kris’s former partner-in-crime and sworn enemy—highlighting how intertwined their past and present conflicts are.
Adkins’ Performance: A Veteran’s Reflection on Age and Resilience
The film opens with Kris at a crossroads, confronting armed smugglers demanding more money to let him cross the border. Although Kris obliges, his punches lack the finality they once had, revealing the toll that age and exhaustion have taken. Scott Adkins’ facial expressions vividly convey frustration and fatigue—he’s giving everything he’s got, but his adversaries keep getting up. Nevertheless, Kris walks away victorious, driven by a desire for redemption and revenge. Adkins, who also shares story credit for Diablo, clearly understands the irony of a seasoned martial artist grappling with mortality. His performance subtly reflects the wear and tear of years spent in the fight, adding depth to his portrayal of a hero who’s still dangerous but more reflective.
The Complex Mission: Resistance and Uncertainty
Kris’s mission is complicated from the start, especially since Elisa shows little interest in being rescued. Her character, played with fiery defiance by De La Rossa, is used to the spoils of her father Vicente’s cartel lifestyle. Right from the beginning, with Elisa kicking Kris in the face and showing her stubborn independence, it’s clear she’s no hostage material—she’s determined to stay free and unbound by anyone’s control. Her attitude adds tension and unpredictability to Kris’s quest, making the story more layered and compelling.
Directed by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza: A Blend of Brutality and B-Movie Charm
Chile’s Ernesto Díaz Espinoza directs and edits Diablo with a flair for grindhouse brutality. His style delivers raw, gritty sequences that pack a punch, though some quieter moments lack the same atmospheric grit. Still, Espinoza’s film excels in its pulp sensibilities, creating a universe where over-the-top violence and dark humor coexist. The film features a formidable antagonist, El Corvo, played by Marko Zaror—an icy serial killer and mercenary with a prosthetic fist and razor-sharp dagger. Zaror’s character, a villain straight out of classic action cinema, surpasses Kris in resilience, walking away from seemingly impossible fights and delivering jaw-dropping moments, such as a club brawl where he floors everyone in sight or a brutal melee where a baseball bat spins mid-air after a strike.
El Corvo: The Deadly Enforcer with Personal Vendettas
El Corvo’s goal is also to capture Elisa, driven by motives rooted in Vicente’s darker past. A classic villain, he employs psychological tactics—offering treats to his victims, reminiscent of Dale Cooper’s philosophy—though this sometimes undercuts his menace. Interestingly, his marksmanship falters whenever he targets Kris, hinting at a deeper connection or perhaps respect. The climax features a grueling, protracted showdown where Kris and Zaror’s characters clash in a brutal, unstoppable-force-versus-immovable-object fight, oblivious to Elisa’s life hanging in the balance nearby.
Action, Story, and the Limitations
One of Diablo’s minor flaws lies in its screenplay, which often sketches out characters and their motivations only enough to justify the next fight scene. But this isn’t a major issue, given how well the action sequences are choreographed and executed. The film’s personal stakes deepen as the story progresses, allowing Adkins to shift from raw martial arts fury to a more restrained and mature performance. While Diablo may not reach the same blistering heights as some of Adkins’ earlier work like Avengement, it offers a nuanced look at an aging fighter wrestling with regret, guilt, and the physical toll of a lifetime of combat. Adkins still delivers relentless KO after KO, but there’s a noticeable layer of wear and vulnerability beneath his fighting prowess, adding a fresh dimension to the veteran action hero.
Derek Shaw
Derek is a seasoned film critic and cinephile with a deep appreciation for storytelling, cinematography, and character development. He covers everything from mainstream blockbusters to indie films and international cinema. With a unique voice and thoughtful perspective, Derek offers reviews, deep dives, and behind-the-scenes insights that resonate with both casual viewers and hardcore movie fans.
