Harrison Ford in The Devil’s Own on Netflix adds a gripping crime thriller to the platform’s movie collection, giving viewers a chance to rediscover a complex ’90s film led by two Hollywood icons. Released in 1997, the movie brings together Harrison Ford and Brad Pitt for a story of trust, secrets, and divided loyalties set in New York City.
A Look Back at an Overlooked ’90s Thriller
Netflix is introducing several classic films and series this season, and among them is The Devil’s Own, a tense action thriller starring Harrison Ford as Sergeant Tom O’Meara and Brad Pitt as Frankie McGuire, also known as Rory Devaney. Though the movie had polarizing reviews—holding a 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes—it performed solidly at the box office, earning $140.8 million worldwide on an $86 million budget.
When The Devil’s Own premiered in March 1997, Brad Pitt was still cementing his place as a leading man. He brought depth to his role as Frankie, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army who travels to the United States with the mission of securing black market weapons. Harrison Ford plays O’Meara, an Irish-American police officer who opens his home to the young Irishman, believing him to be a hardworking immigrant. The plot escalates as personal relationships collide with hidden agendas, set against the vibrant but gritty backdrop of New York City.
Despite its critical reception, the film has since been defended by Harrison Ford and praised for its performances and ambition. Alongside Ford and Pitt, the film features Margaret Colin, Ruben Blades, Treat Williams, George Hearn, and Mitchell Ryan. Directed by Alan J. Pakula—known for To Kill a Mockingbird and All the President’s Men—it marked his final directorial effort before his death. The movie also benefited from the expertise of cinematographer Gordon Willis, famous for his work on The Godfather trilogy.
Tension Behind the Scenes: Ford and Pitt’s Creative Differences
Although both actors were committed to making The Devil’s Own a success, their visions for the story diverged during production. Brad Pitt was involved with the project in its early stages, contributing to the script and character development before Harrison Ford joined the cast. When the two finally agreed on Alan J. Pakula as director, each wished to bring nuance and personal stakes to their roles, leading to creative tension but also richer performances onscreen.
Critics at the time were divided over the film’s handling of political themes. Dennis Schwartz described the movie as
“an engrossing but disappointing big-budget political suspense film that never becomes exceptional.”
—Dennis Schwartz, Critic
Jeffrey Overstreet added his perspective:
“The line ‘This is not an American story, it’s an Irish one’ means nothing … it is a story as American as McNuggets — all extra-crispy coating and no real meat underneath.”
—Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
The tension between the main stars only added to the on-screen chemistry. Harrison Ford later reflected on his experience filming with Pitt and the importance of crafting complex characters on both sides of the conflict:
“Brad developed the script. Then they offered me the part. I saved my comments about the character and the construction of the thing—I admired Brad. First of all, I admire Brad. I think he’s a wonderful actor. He’s a really decent guy. But we couldn’t agree on a director until we came to Alan Pakula, who I had worked with before but Brad had not. Brad had this complicated character, and I wanted a complication on my side so that it wasn’t just a good-and-evil battle. And that’s when I came up with the bad-shooting thing.”
—Harrison Ford, Actor
Why The Devil’s Own Remains Relevant Today
The Devil’s Own offers a gripping narrative of two men caught between moral duty and personal loyalty, with the urban tension of New York City and the global reach of political conflict at its heart. The film’s story of hidden motives and the collision between personal and political worlds makes it particularly compelling for today’s audience, especially with Harrison Ford in The Devil’s Own on Netflix reaching a new generation.
Fans of Ford and Pitt, as well as those interested in thrillers that wrestle with tough ethical questions, will find much to appreciate in the performances and direction. Alan J. Pakula’s final film stands as a testament to the complicated histories and personal stories behind international conflicts, all wrapped in the suspense of a ’90s action classic.
As Netflix refreshes its offerings with Quentin Tarantino-level classics and lesser-known treasures like The Devil’s Own, viewers have an excellent reason to revisit this emotionally charged film and reconsider its place in Harrison Ford’s accomplished career.
