Why Ryan Phillippe & C Thomas Howell’s New Action Movie is Unique (& The Iconic Movie That Influenced it) [Exclusive]

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Action movie fans have something new to watch today! The thriller One Mile is now available on demand, and it’s different from most action films. It actually includes two full movies – One Mile: Chapter One and Two. Directed by Adam Davidson (known for shows like Bosch and Deadwood) and starring Ryan Phillippe and C. Thomas Howell, One Mile stands out because its major action scenes don’t involve any guns – a refreshing change that Howell particularly appreciated, allowing for a unique approach to the genre.

The movie doesn’t feature guns or rifles. Instead, the characters rely on more primitive weapons like bows, arrows, and knives, and use traps to survive. Howell shared with ComicBook that this approach felt fresh and different, allowing him to really explore a survivalist mindset and portray it authentically on screen.

Ryan Phillippe & C Thomas Howell Detail One Mile’s Unique Action Movie Ideas

The movie stars Phillippe as a former special forces operative attempting to rebuild his relationship with his daughter during a road trip. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they stumble upon a secluded community with hostile intentions. While the character has a military background and the film avoids using guns, it still draws inspiration from the action-thriller genre, focusing on character development rather than weaponry.

While developing the film, we discussed movies like Walking Tall and Charles Bronson’s roles – stories of individuals facing overwhelming challenges. We aimed for a simple, raw feel, reminiscent of those classic films. Those movies are so captivating because they present a seemingly impossible situation and then show a person trying to overcome it.

Both actors underwent significant training to prepare for their roles, drawing on the established histories of their characters. This was particularly familiar to Phillippe, who had prior experience with physically demanding roles in military films, as well as a family history that prepared him for such work.

Phillippe shared that he did a lot of tactical training for the role, drawing on his existing background. Growing up in a military family and having worked on many military films, he needed to refresh those skills. He also focused on physical fitness, noting it’s more challenging to build muscle as you get older. All of this preparation was to ensure he looked capable and believable in the demanding situations his character faced, and it was a major part of getting ready for the part.

Howell prepared for his role by drawing on his own background. Growing up in a rural area with a family of hunters and ranchers, he simply tapped into those roots to create an authentic and down-to-earth portrayal of the character.

One Mile is available to rent or buy now on digital platforms.

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2026-02-21 02:10