David Ayer has established himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood, particularly known for his raw and gritty portrayals of life in Los Angeles through crime films. Ayer’s journey began as a screenwriter with notable successes in blockbuster hits such as The Fast and the Furious and Training Day. Given his distinctive voice in writing, it was only natural for him to transition into directing, aiming to create films that echo his unique storytelling style.
Since his directorial debut with Harsh Times, David Ayer has become synonymous with dark, unflinching crime dramas. Over the years, he has ventured into diverse genres, including World War II epics, superhero flicks, and high-octane action films. Collaborating with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, such as Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ayer has continuously broadened his scope. His most recent film, A Working Man, exemplifies his ongoing commitment to producing compelling content, with several intriguing projects forthcoming.
Bright (2017)
Starring Will Smith & Joel Edgerton
The premise of Bright was ambitious, aiming to utilize fantasy as a lens to navigate pressing socio-political issues. The film attempted to merge a gritty buddy-cop narrative with fantastical elements like orcs and elves set against the backdrop of Los Angeles’s urban battles. However, it faltered in execution, as its allegorical intentions fell flat. The awkward portrayal of orcs in gang attire and their use of AAVE to signal racial and ethnic identities muddied the intended commentary.
Despite a solid cast, including a somewhat perplexed Will Smith, Joel Edgerton emerged as a standout, injecting emotional depth underneath layers of orc prosthetics. The film faced significant critique, revealing Ayer’s struggle with the narrative’s messy delivery and its failure to adequately explore its thematic complexities.
Suicide Squad (2016)
Starring Will Smith & Margot Robbie
The chaotic narrative of Suicide Squad has become a quintessential example of a Hollywood cautionary tale, and even Ayer himself has voiced discontent with the final product. The film features a motley crew of supervillains, including Deadshot and Harley Quinn, on a perilous government mission. Unfortunately, the end result was a convoluted superhero film struggling to strike the appropriate tone.
Notably, Ayer never realized his full vision for the project, prompting ongoing calls for an Ayer cut of the film. Despite mixed reviews, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn transcended criticism, marking her character as a cultural icon, even amid Jared Leto’s controversial take on the Joker.
The Tax Collector (2020)
Starring Shia LaBeouf & Bobby Soto
Following the commercially driven spectacle of previous films, Ayer opted for a return to his roots with The Tax Collector, a film that reflected his earlier works. Collaborating again with Shia LaBeouf, Ayer chronicled the lives of two “tax collectors”working for a crime lord in Los Angeles. Aligned with Ayer’s signature style, the film is visceral and dives deep into a nihilistic worldview.
However, the film echoed themes already explored in numerous predecessors, making it feel somewhat repetitive. Critics highlighted its problematic portrayals of Latinx communities, a recurring point of contention for Ayer, although LaBeouf’s intense performance brought a dynamic element to the narrative.
Sabotage (2014)
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger & Sam Worthington
Sabotage offers a modern twist on Agatha Christie’s classic, maintaining elements of both suspense and action. Here, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the leader of a DEA task force embroiled in a deadly drug cartel investigation. The narrative intensifies as team members are systematically targeted, creating a tense atmosphere rife with suspicion.
While the film is a gritty thriller laden with morally ambiguous characters—characteristic of Ayer’s work—it falters in its execution. The promised mystery element becomes sidelined as the film spirals into standard action fare, leaving Schwarzenegger’s unique presence feeling somewhat misplaced, despite the commendable performances from a strong supporting cast.
Street Kings (2008)
Starring Keanu Reeves & Chris Evans
Street Kings exploits familiar tropes often attributed to Ayer, portraying the struggles of a corrupted LAPD officer. Keanu Reeves takes center stage as a grief-stricken cop navigating a murky world following his wife’s murder, ultimately finding himself ensnared in corrupt conspiracies.
While Ayer effectively handles the film’s gritty action and complicated intrigue, it lacks freshness within his filmography, feeling predictable and tired. Nevertheless, the dynamic chemistries among the cast, including Chris Evans and Forest Whitaker, inject moments of excitement and elevate this police drama.
The Beekeeper (2024)
Starring Jason Statham & Josh Hutcherson
Teaming up with Jason Statham for The Beekeeper, Ayer found a collaborator who matched his vision for a captivating action film. Statham plays a reclusive beekeeper who must confront his enigmatic past when a tragedy strikes his kind employer. The narrative blends humor with intense action as Statham transforms back into a government operative seeking justice.
Though it might not rival John Wick in sophistication, The Beekeeper provides an entertaining thrill ride. The ridiculous premise is counterbalanced by its playful execution, making it an enjoyable watch, showcasing Ayer’s ability to offer crowd-pleasing narratives without unnecessary complexities.
A Working Man (2025)
Starring Jason Statham & David Harbour
Following the success of The Beekeeper, Ayer and Statham reunite for A Working Man, maintaining their enjoyable storytelling formula. The film features Statham as a former black ops agent who trades a life of violence for a peaceful job but is compelled to fight again when his boss’s daughter is kidnapped.
This sequel not only adheres to a similar narrative structure as their previous collaboration but also enhances it with inventive action sequences and a simplified plot focused on delivering a compelling story. Statham’s performance stands out, providing depth that transcends mere physicality and elevating the overall impact of the film.
Harsh Times (2005)
Starring Christian Bale & Freddy Rodríguez
Ayer’s debut film, Harsh Times, adheres to his established themes, showcasing a veteran’s struggle against a backdrop of violence and corruption. Christian Bale delivers a haunting performance as a tormented veteran, diving into complex emotional depths that echo Ayer’s earlier writings, especially Training Day.
Both films encapsulate the dark realities of life in Los Angeles, driven by unpredictable protagonists. Bale’s performance in Harsh Times captivates through its raw intensity, keeping audiences on edge as they anticipate his next chaotic decisions. Even as Ayer continues to evolve as a filmmaker, his foundational style is evident from the outset.
Fury (2014)
Starring Brad Pitt & Logan Lerman
With Fury, Ayer paid homage to classic war films while still engaging with the moral complexities characteristic of his other works. The film stars Brad Pitt as a tank commander navigating the brutal landscape of World War II, accompanied by a fresh recruit played by Logan Lerman. The stark realities of warfare are presented with a visceral intensity that showcases Ayer’s adeptness at blending action with emotional depth.
Through its depiction of camaraderie amid chaos, Fury captures the existential struggles faced by soldiers. Ayer’s approach sheds light on both the psychological toll of combat and the intricate relationships forged under fire, marking it as one of his more resonant war films.
End of Watch (2012)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal & Michael Peña
In just his third directorial outing, End of Watch marked Ayer’s arrival as a formidable filmmaker. Featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña as LAPD partners, the film artfully blends their day-to-day duties with the camaraderie of their off-duty lives. Ayer’s gritty yet genuine portrayal infuses the narrative with a freshness that elevates it beyond typical cop dramas.
The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Peña contributes to a palpable warmth, creating compelling dynamics during both intense confrontations and lighter moments. Ayer’s innovative use of a found-footage style integrates the audience into the story, enhancing the immersive experience of the police work depicted throughout the film.