Miss Bala (2019) – A Gripping Ride That Falls Just Short

Movie Review: Miss Bala (2019) – A Gripping Ride That Falls Just Short

Yesterday, I watched Miss Bala, an action thriller directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Originally made in English and based on a 2011 Mexican film of the same name (Miss Bala in Spanish), this remake dives into the dark intersection of crime, corruption, and survival—but ultimately leaves a mixed impression.

Plot Overview

The story follows Gloria Fuentes, a makeup artist from Los Angeles who visits Tijuana, Mexico, for a beauty pageant her friend is competing in. But when a night out goes horribly wrong, Gloria finds herself pulled into a violent criminal underworld. Caught between corrupt cops, drug cartels, and U.S. law enforcement, she must rely on her instincts and courage to survive—and possibly take control of her fate.

The setup is promising and the pacing in the first half of the movie builds good tension. There are moments where the stakes feel real and the danger palpable. Gina Rodriguez, who plays Gloria, delivers a strong performance, portraying a vulnerable woman who gradually transforms into a resilient survivor.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the movie's most commendable aspects is how it depicts Gloria’s ability to adapt to life-threatening situations. The writing in these parts is sharp, showing her quick thinking and emotional strength.

However, where the film falters is in its climax. As the story builds and we anticipate a powerful emotional or action-driven payoff, the resolution feels rushed and underwhelming. Some of the twists are mildly surprising, but they don’t carry the impact they should. For a story with such a tense premise, it lacked the deeper emotional weight I expected—especially when compared to similar films that explore themes of survival and female empowerment.

Final Thoughts

Miss Bala (2019) is an average action thriller that starts strong and maintains a gripping pace for much of its runtime. Gina Rodriguez holds the film together with a committed performance, and while the story shows potential, it doesn’t quite deliver the emotional depth or satisfying climax it hints at.

Rating: 2.75/5
Watchable, with moments of intensity, but it leaves you wanting more.

Thank you for reading.
— Sai Deepak Belamana