Harrison Ford underrated thriller The Devil’s Own on Netflix is now available for streaming, offering viewers an overlooked 1997 film starring Ford and Brad Pitt that brings together action, family drama, and conflict. This intense collaboration features the legendary Alan J. Pakula’s final directorial work, mapping a complex story of trust, secrecy, and divided loyalties in New York City.
An Unlikely Partnership Shaped ‘The Devil’s Own’
During the 1980s and 1990s, Harrison Ford’s iconic status made it rare for him to share the screen as a lead alongside other superstars. The Devil’s Own marked a major turning point when Ford joined the project, originally positioned as Brad Pitt’s solo vehicle. Ford’s participation significantly reshaped the story, resulting in both actors taking on equally prominent roles.
In the film, Ford takes on the role of Tom O’Meara, a diligent and morally principled New York police sergeant. His character offers sanctuary to Rory Devaney, portrayed by Brad Pitt—a seemingly ordinary Irish immigrant construction worker who soon earns the trust of Tom’s wife, Sheila O’Meara (Margaret Colin), and their three daughters. Unbeknownst to Tom, Rory’s true identity is Frankie McGuire, an IRA operative traveling to America to secure missiles against the British Army. This complicated friendship sets the tone for a film where dramatic tension emerges from the hidden identities and fraught alliances at its core.
The final cut, streaming now on Netflix, owes much of its emotional weight to the dynamic performances of Ford and Pitt. Their on-screen chemistry powers the film, with scenes crackling with intensity—particularly notable given their reported off-screen tensions throughout production.
A Family-Driven Drama Wrapped in Suspense
Unlike Ford’s more renowned turns as Han Solo, Indiana Jones, or Jack Ryan, here he plays Tom O’Meara, a gentle police officer haunted by the moral complexities of his work and determined to uphold justice in his family and neighborhood. Tom’s world is shaken when he covers up for his partner—the same cop brother who kills an unarmed thief—obliging Tom to confront the cost of loyalty and consider resigning from the force.
His life collides with that of Frankie McGuire, whose commitment to family was imprinted early by witnessing his father’s murder. As the film unfolds, the evolving bond between Tom and Frankie becomes central, with both men forced to examine the purpose and aftermath of violence in their lives. Existing in the shadow of Frankie’s double life, Ford’s Tom unwittingly assumes a father figure role for Pitt’s character, a dynamic explored through quiet yet powerful exchanges.
For audiences familiar only with Ford’s action-hero legacy, The Devil’s Own reveals another dimension—his skill in portraying men burdened by impossible choices. Rubén Blades provides strong support as Edwin Diaz, while Margaret Colin’s Sheila O’Meara and the daughters give further shape to the stakes at hand. The sense of threat peaks in a home invasion scene, linking the film’s violent set pieces to its deeper focus on family. Frankie’s willingness to protect those around him—despite being the real target of the attack—creates one of the movie’s standout moments, where personal and political stakes merge with visceral drama.
Creative Tensions and a Changing Script
The journey from script to screen for The Devil’s Own was anything but straightforward. Brad Pitt, cast first in 1991 after the success of his role in Thelma & Louise, was originally set to carry the story as Frankie McGuire, with the film intended as a character-driven look at the IRA and Irish conflict. With Ford’s eventual casting as Tom O’Meara, the balance fundamentally shifted—Tom’s role was expanded to parallel Frankie’s, reflecting Ford’s marquee status and salary.
The resulting creative tension saw multiple rewrites, as the narrative moved from a focused political study into a more conventional thriller format with two lead heroes. Pitt reportedly felt frustrated with the gradual loss of the original vision he supported, mirroring difficulties he would encounter later in his career with other productions. The heart of this creative struggle is reflected in one of the film‘s pivotal exchanges:
Don’t look for a happy ending,
—Frankie McGuire, Brad Pitt’s character
It’s not an American story. It’s an Irish one.
—Frankie McGuire, Brad Pitt’s character
Despite these ambitions, the finished film leans heavily into the conventions of Hollywood action, with its nuanced view of Irish conflict diluted in favor of tense set pieces and star-driven drama. Still, the conversations between Tom and Frankie regarding violence elevate the narrative, allowing the film’s thematic core to shine despite its uneven trajectory.
A Mixed Reception: Box Office and Critical Response
The Devil’s Own stands as an example of how high-profile collaborations can be hampered by clashing visions and industry expectations. While the film grossed $140.8 million globally against a $90 million budget, its 37% Rotten Tomatoes score and critical indifference cemented its reputation as a disappointment by industry standards—especially given the star power of Ford and Pitt.
This outcome had particular consequences for Harrison Ford, as The Devil’s Own ended up being one of his least commercially successful films of that era, falling behind all his other 1990s major starring roles except Random Hearts. That said, Ford maintained public praise for the project and his co-star, with the film’s reception mirroring Pitt’s performance in other contemporary titles like Meet Joe Black and Sleepers.
Many fans and critics continue to debate whether the movie would have benefitted from sticking with its original concept or focusing more tightly on either Ford or Pitt. Regardless, The Devil’s Own stands as a unique artifact—a glimpse into the creative struggles between two major stars whose partnership, in the end, yielded a film more notable for its performances than for narrative coherence. The film is now available to stream, allowing new audiences to explore its complex story.
The Lasting Legacy of ‘The Devil’s Own’
More than two decades after its release, The Devil’s Own offers valuable insight into the risks and rewards of high-caliber collaborations in Hollywood. The casting of Ford and Pitt brought undeniable star power and emotional resonance, even as creative friction altered the film’s original course. Alan J. Pakula’s final direction brings moments of intensity to a story of divided loyalties and the personal impact of political violence.
For those seeking a Harrison Ford underrated thriller The Devil’s Own on Netflix that blends action, drama, and a look at complex historical themes, this film is a compelling, if imperfect, choice. Its strengths lie in the chemistry between Ford and Pitt, the honesty of their character interactions, and its tense depiction of loyalty and deception within family and friendship. As more viewers discover or rediscover this hidden gem, its place as a noteworthy, if underappreciated, entry in both stars’ filmographies is sure to gain recognition.
