The Ruthless 2019
"In Milan, the thirstiest wins."
Directed by Renato De Maria, *The Ruthless (2019)* plunges into the gritty underworld of 1960s–70s Milan, tracing the rise of Santo Russo—a Calabrian immigrant turned ruthless criminal mastermind.
Director: Renato De Maria
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Ruthless (2019)* about?
*The Ruthless* follows Santo Russo, a young Calabrian immigrant whose life spirals into crime after a stint in prison sets him on a path of ruthless ambition. By the late 1970s, he teams up with his closest friends to build a criminal empire through armed robberies, kidnappings, and drug trafficking—only to discover that power in Milan's underworld comes at a cost few can afford.
Who directed *The Ruthless*?
Renato De Maria directed *The Ruthless*, infusing the film with a raw, immersive atmosphere that captures the moral corrosion of its characters.
Who stars in *The Ruthless*?
The film stars Riccardo Scamarcio as Santo Russo, with Sara Serraiocco, Alessio Praticò, Alessandro Tedeschi, and Marie-Ange Casta rounding out the key cast.
Is *The Ruthless (2019)* worth watching?
Packed with tension, sharp performances, and a gripping crime narrative, *The Ruthless* is a standout in the euro-crime genre. While it lacks an IMDb rating for reference, its visceral storytelling and atmospheric direction make it a compelling watch for fans of morally complex crime dramas.
How long is *The Ruthless*?
The film runs for 111 minutes, delivering a tight, high-impact crime saga.
🎥 Trailer
About The Ruthless (2019) — A Crime Saga of Power, Blood, and Broken Promises
Directed by Renato De Maria, *The Ruthless (2019)* plunges into the gritty underworld of 1960s–70s Milan, tracing the rise of Santo Russo—a Calabrian immigrant turned ruthless criminal mastermind. Fresh off the boat from Calabria with his family in 1967, Santo's life takes a brutal detour when an absurd misunderstanding lands him in prison, where he's forged into a hardened operator. By 1978, he's teamed up with lifelong friends Slim and Mario, launching a decade-long crime spree that blankets robberies, kidnappings, heroin trafficking, and murder. Their empire thrives on fear, loyalty, and an unquenchable thirst for power—until the streets start fighting back.
De Maria crafts a tense, atmospheric crime saga steeped in moral decay and survival, where every alliance is transactional and betrayal lurks in every shadow. The film crackles with the energy of a city teetering between economic boom and social unrest, all through the lens of Santo's unflinching ambition. With razor-sharp performances from Riccardo Scamarcio and Sara Serraiocco, *The Ruthless (2019)* isn't just a crime drama—it's a slow-burn character study of how violence shapes identity and destiny.