Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott: Dancing on the Festival-Action Cinema Line

Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott: Dancing on the Festival-Action Cinema Line

I got to know Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott with "Bushwick".

With such a simple and stripped-down setup, they managed to create a film that was gripping, fast, and strangely close to the realities and "what if" scenarios of modern times. It flowed effortlessly, and thanks to strong direction, it was beautifully packaged.

Even before that, they had "Cooties"; a film I was already very curious about. Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, and a surprisingly great ensemble cast made it another example of their distinct taste.

And now there's "Becky". I've been intrigued ever since I saw the trailer.

A Rare Blend of Influences

What stands out to me in their works is their range in storytelling:

a mix of Wes Craven–style genre awareness, Tony Scott energy, Luc Besson's aesthetic panache, and a pinch of John Carpenter.

The result is a rare blend of action, adventure, and dark comedy. This is almost an ownerless space today.

So many films now feel boring, hollow, or stuck; loud but shallow, made to keep brands alive rather than to tell stories. Factory products, not films.

Against-Type Casting That Works

Seeing Dave Bautista in Bushwick, Kevin James in Becky, and the consistently strong supporting casts in these unexpected roles is already a big plus.

Finding films that people who are aware of the world, the news, and the general chaos can watch just to clear their heads and genuinely enjoy for a couple of hours has become incredibly hard.

The Z24 Dream

If I could, I'd start a Z24 next to A24 and focus exactly on films like these; producing and representing them.

Because balancing festival credibility (Sundance, Cannes, Venice) and being genuinely entertaining action cinema is a razor-thin line.

And this duo dances on that line with real joy.