Following Sean Penn’s recent third Academy Award win for One Battle After Another, Netflix is adding another thriller from the reluctant movie icon to its catalog next month.
Asphalt City, the Cannes Film Festival 2023 entry from director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire (A Prayer Before Dawn, Johnny Mad Dog), is based on the 2008 novel Black Flies by Shannon Burke.
“In the chaotic city of Harlem, New York, Ollie Cross (Tye Sheridan), aiming to enter medical school, begins working as a rookie paramedic while diligently pursuing his studies,” the logline for Netflix’s new addition states. “Partnered with veteran paramedic Gene “Rat” Rutkovsky (Sean Penn), renowned as the most skilled in the area, he rides in an ambulance, receiving rigorous training on the job.”
“However, he is overwhelmed and tormented by his own powerlessness as he faces a wide range of crimes, drug addictions, and the never-ending problems of immigration and homelessness. Then, responding to a request from a woman who has given birth prematurely at home, the treatment of the newborn drastically alters the lives of Cross and Rat.”
Alongside Penn and Sheridan (Ready Player One, The Tree of Life), Asphalt City co-stars Michael Pitt (Dawson’s Creek, Boardwalk Empire), Raquel Nave (Welcome to New York, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire, The Deuce), and Katherine Waterston (Logan Lucky, Steve Jobs). Additionally, several boxers, including two-time World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson and six-time champion Kali Reis, also make appearances in the film.
While the film only made $400,000 during its limited box office run, Asphalt City has a chance to win over Netflix’s near-hundred million subscribers in the U.S. alone. With its gritty realism and psychological story of the frequent traumas faced by first responders, the film’s emotional core is sure to capture the attention of a whole new audience.
Asphalt City joins Netflix U.S. on August 3.
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Jul 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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