Ryan Gosling's Best Movie Isn't 'Project Hail Mary' – It's This Forgotten 14-Year-Old Drama

Ryan Gosling is one of today's most sought-after actors in Hollywood, and his role in the recent sci-fi blockbuster Project Hail Mary has only cemented his status.

However, if you only know Gosling from this role or as a silent man from Drive, you're missing out on his finest work – Derek Cianfrance's The Place Beyond the Pines remains an underrated masterpiece.

This sweeping epic is an odyssey about legacy, fathers and sons, succession, and liberation from vengeance, and Gosling delivers a show-stealing performance.

What Is 'The Place Beyond the Pines' About?

Luke is a motorcycle stuntman who wanders from one town to another, performing death-defying stunts for a living. After one performance, he runs into his ex-girlfriend, Romina, who tells him that she has a one-year-old son with him.

Having grown up without a father, Luke is determined that his child won't share his fate. He quits his job as a stuntman and settles in town, but his earnings as a mechanic aren't enough to support his family. Desperate, Luke agrees to participate in a bank robbery.

The robberies bring in money, but one day, the conscientious police officer Avery gets in Luke's way. Their clash escalates into a violent confrontation destined to last for decades.

Luke in 'The Place Beyond the Pines' Is the Most Profound Role of Ryan Gosling's Career

As usual, Ryan Gosling steals the show. His character, Luke, is a taciturn, tattooed motorcyclist reminiscent of the driver from Drive, but his character is much deeper here.

He's not a fearless tough guy, but rather a desperate father willing to commit a crime for his son.

The problem – or advantage, depending on your perspective – is that Luke's storyline only takes up the first half of the film. Then, the focus shifts to Avery, played by Bradley Cooper, and the story jumps ahead 15 years.

Gosling fans may be disappointed by the actor's limited screen time, but the movie is sure to please anyone who craves epic crime dramas.

'The Place Beyond the Pines' Is an Epic Story About Heritage and Blood Ties

Derek Cianfrance based this crime triptych on his personal life – the birth of his second son inspired the film's unique concept. The director transformed a routine criminal incident into a grand mural about legacy, destiny, and blood ties.

Despite its restrained and depressing tone, the movie exudes an epic spirit. Such stories are most often found in literature, but Cianfrance had the courage to turn this into a new The Godfather.

The Place Beyond the Pines captivates with more than just its tattooed Gosling tearing through the streets on a motorcycle. It also beautifully captures the atmosphere of small-town America and its social flaws – it's just an exemplary indie film.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Place Beyond the Pines'?

• The Place Beyond the Pines has 79% from critics and 75% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.3/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Place Beyond the Pines scored 3.8/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Place Beyond the Pines'?

The Place Beyond the Pines is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.