Narc

2002 105 min ★ 6.8 Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Narcotics Sergeant Nick Tellis, on leave after a trauma, is called back to investigate the murder of fellow undercover operative Michael Calvess, joined by the victim's unpredictable and brutal ex-partner, Henry Oak. Working together in the back alleys of Detroit, Tellis and Oak delve into a dark investigation that leads them to uncover shocking secrets and question the corruption and morality within the department, encountering unorthodox methods and a brutal truth about Calvess's death.

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Cast

Jason Patric

Det. Sgt. Nick Tellis

Ray Liotta

Det. Lt. Henry Oak

Chi McBride

Cpt. Mitchell Cheevers

Krista Bridges

Audrey Tellis

John Ortiz

Octavio Ruiz

Busta Rhymes

Darnell 'Big D Love' Beery

Richard Chevolleau

Latroy Steeds

Alan van Sprang

Michael Calvess

Anne Openshaw

Kathryn Calvess

Tony De Santis

Medical Examiner Art Harlan

Details

Director

Joe Carnahan

Screenplay

Joe Carnahan

Status

Released

Original Language

EN

Budget

$6,500,000

Revenue

$12,633,747

Production

Splendid Film, Julius R. Nasso Productions, Tiara Blu Films, Cruise/Wagner Productions, Emmett/Furla Films, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, Applecreek Productions, Cutting Edge Entertainment, Echelon Productions

Reviews

T

tmdb27219454

August 2, 2019

★ 8/10

Probably the best movie of 2002 that nobody actually saw. A hard-hitting, realistic look at the undercover police world with a bitter taste of the cases that they work. Jason Patric and Ray Liotia play the parts of two Detroit police offers tasked with bringing the killers of a fellow undercover officer to justice. Dark, gritty and overwhelming, Narc doesn't sugarcoat law enforcement but someho...

J

JPV852

August 17, 2025

★ 8/10

Really solid and dark gritty crime drama featuring great performances from both Ray Liotta and Jason Patric. Probably a bit overlooked film from Joe Carnahan but I really found it engrossing. This was only my second viewing, last time was the DVD from circa 2003 and finally re-watched thanks to the Arrow Films 4K release. **4.25/5**