50 Cent and Mel Gibson Star in Boneyard, a Crime Thriller Inspired by True Events

In the 2024 crime thriller Boneyard, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Mel Gibson team up in a tense story of murder and mistrust, drawing inspiration from a chilling real-life case. The film, released in select theaters on June 5, 2024, and available on video on demand from July 2, explores the hunt for a serial killer in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Cast and Characters

50 Cent steps into the role of Chief Carter, the Albuquerque police chief grappling with an escalating investigation, while Mel Gibson portrays FBI Special Agent Petrovick. Their on-screen partnership drives the film’s central narrative, with both actors anchoring the story’s suspense and emotional stakes.

Plot and Real-Life Inspiration

Boneyard is based loosely on the West Mesa murders, a grim true crime case involving the discovery of 11 women’s remains buried in the New Mexico desert. The film fictionalizes elements of the case by introducing a serial killer dubbed “The Bone Collector”—a nickname not associated with the real investigation but created to enhance the thriller’s dramatic tension.

The story unfolds as the FBI agent and Chief Carter navigate a web of deception and suspicion, with Carter haunted by the possibility that the killer may lurk within his own police department. Conflicting agendas among law enforcement and narcotics agencies add layers of complexity, painting a portrait of institutional challenges amid the hunt for justice.

Release and Reception

Distributed by Lionsgate, Boneyard followed a hybrid release model typical of indie productions, hitting theaters in limited markets before becoming available on streaming platforms like Fandango at Home. The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its respectful nod to real events and solid thriller elements, while others have criticized its production values and acting quality.

Rotten Tomatoes describes the movie as a “solid crime thriller that respects the true-life blueprint,” though user reviews on IMDb point to “soap opera grade acting” and low-budget constraints as drawbacks.

Conclusion

While Boneyard takes creative liberties—most notably with the “Bone Collector” moniker—it offers a gripping, if imperfect, dramatization of a harrowing chapter in true crime history. With 50 Cent and Mel Gibson leading the charge, the film presents a tense, character-driven thriller that appeals to fans of crime dramas and true crime adaptations alike.