In the gripping action-thriller She Rides Shotgun, Taron Egerton plays Nate, an ex-con recently released who finds himself targeted for death. His immediate mission becomes protecting his estranged 11-year-old daughter, Polly, played by Ana Sophia Heger, as they fight to survive against threats from a corrupt sheriff and a ruthless gang leader determined to protect their criminal empire. The film explores how Nate and Polly’s relationship evolves from wary distance to a profound partnership born out of mutual need and trust amid danger.
Polly is initially shy and cautious but gradually becomes entwined in Nate’s perilous world as they attempt to escape relentless pursuers. With no safe alliances and limited resources, their journey bonds them through shared adversity. Nate teaches Polly survival skills while Polly’s presence brings new meaning to his life, highlighting themes of unconditional love and resilience despite grim circumstances.
The Unexpected Tenderness of a Haircut Scene
A notable moment of lightness in the otherwise intense narrative is a scene where Nate trims Polly’s hair, creating a rare opportunity for calm and connection between father and daughter. In a recent interview, both Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger reflected on shooting this scene as a natural, improvisational break from the film‘s darker tone.
Ana: Well, I really love that scene because it felt really natural, and we did improvise a lot. I actually cut my hair in real life, so all that bleach blonde cut was my real hair. He’s cutting my wig, so it felt like he was cutting my hair, and it was really fun. I just love all the improvisation that we did, and how natural and fun it felt. —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Taron: It was lovely. I think you’re exactly right, the movie is pretty intense and the characters are up against it for the whole 1 hour, 58 minutes or whatever the running time is. We have a few moments where they’re sheltered and able to take a breath, and bond, talk, and be tender with one another. The haircutting scene is one of those moments. —Taron Egerton, Actor
Taron described how the environment created by director Nick Rowland fostered an atmosphere where the actors could relax and genuinely connect during this scene. The improvisational feel was enhanced by Taron’s casual approach to the haircut, reflecting his character’s unfamiliarity with hair styling but genuine desire to show affection.
Taron: We had the loveliest time. Our great friend and director Nick Rowland created this wonderful atmosphere. —Taron Egerton, Actor
Ana: He was a great director. —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Taron: He was amazing, wasn’t he? We just had the chance to play and, obviously, my character Nate is not much of a hair stylist, so I had to do no prep whatsoever. I just came in and hacked away at the wig. —Taron Egerton, Actor
Ana: That’s what made it so fun. —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Grounded and Raw: Approaching the Film’s Action Sequences
Taron Egerton, known for his previous action roles, explained that She Rides Shotgun demanded a different approach to its fight scenes, focusing on realism and emotional weight rather than stylized spectacle. He emphasized how Nate’s violence is not performed for enjoyment but stems from desperation and necessity.
Taron: Well, I think it’s maybe a little more grounded than some of the other action things I’ve been involved with, and the stakes are more real. I think that the thing I was drawn to about Nate is that at no point is there any relish. Sometimes, in certain more stylised action pieces, there can be more of a nod and a wink, maybe. And an element of enjoyment in the performance. That’s not what my instinct was for this character, because he would rather be anywhere else in terms of this awful situation they’re both in. —Taron Egerton, Actor
This emphasis on grounded, brutal action underscored the harsh reality faced by Nate and Polly, further intensifying the film’s emotional impact.
Portraying Violence Through a Child’s Eyes
Playing Polly required Ana Sophia Heger to respond to some difficult scenes involving her father’s violent outbursts. She reflected on how acting alongside Taron in these moments was less daunting because of her understanding of the fictional nature of the situations and her trust in the cast and crew.
Ana: Those scenes, I feel weren’t that challenging because it was all fake, obviously, and he wasn’t really fighting. —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Taron: But I made it seem real, right? —Taron Egerton, Actor
Ana: [Laughs] Yeah, he did make it seem real! It is really challenging to play a role like that. He did really amazing… —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Taron praised Ana’s innate talent for immersive acting, highlighting her ability to react genuinely and shift her emotions realistically throughout the film.
Taron: Thank you. I think Ana has got this incredible ability to watch and listen. And to lose her sense of self. The biggest challenge as an actor is to take the focus off yourself and be available to what’s happening around you. That’s why they say good acting is reacting, and I think that’s something, to be honest, that I didn’t really learn until I went to drama school. Before that, I was probably much more of a showman and a performer. Ana just instrinsically understands that. Her father is an actor as well, and I don’t doubt that he’s helped teach her that, but I also think it’s a very innate talent she has, so those scenes where Nate is doing something very violent or wrong that she is privy to and watching, she’s very able to be present with that so between her and Nick, they’ll figure out what the attitude is. Her attitude shifts throughout the movie. Sometimes, she’s horrified, sometimes she starts to maybe enjoy it a little bit as well and enjoy her dad’s power. That’s part of the darkness of the film. —Taron Egerton, Actor
Ana shared how she reconciled her character’s complex reactions to her father’s violent actions.
Ana: I just have to try and feel like that’s my dad doing this crazy stuff. Like he said, sometimes, I kind of enjoy watching it because I like seeing that he is defeating everyone [Laughs], so I just kind of have to pretend he was really fighting people. —Ana Sophia Heger, Actress
Critical Acclaim and Ongoing Impact
She Rides Shotgun has received strong reviews, holding an 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and continues to impress audiences with its raw portrayal of survival, family bonds, and uncompromising action. Its success highlights Taron Egerton’s versatility as he inhabits a character who is as vulnerable as he is relentless, and showcases Ana Sophia Heger’s compelling performance as Polly.
Now playing in theaters nationwide, the film offers a unique blend of intensity and tenderness that resonates beyond traditional action fare, shining a light on the power of connection in desperate times.
