The Pickup (2025) Christian Film Review: Redemption, Morality & Missed Opportunity

Russell (Eddie Murphy), a veteran armored-truck driver nearing retirement, is paired with Travis (Pete Davidson), an eager newbie with dreams of public service. On what should be a routine “pickup,” they’re ambushed by Zoe (Keke Palmer), a criminal mastermind who also has a personal connection to Travis. Zoe forces the mismatched pair to cooperate in a larger heist involving a casino, leading to betrayals, chases, and moral compromises.

The Pickup offers a surprisingly stark illustration of how selfish ambition, loyalty conflicts, and hidden motives can lead even the best of intentions astray. Travis’s complicity—born out of romantic attraction and pride—shows how easily we excuse bad decisions in the name of emotional justification. Russell’s fatigue and cynicism serve as a warning: when one resigns to moral erosion, one’s integrity becomes fragile. Although the film isn’t overtly spiritual, its core tension—between doing what’s easy and doing what’s right—resonates with Christian teaching about repentance, accountability, and the costs of moral compromise.

The Pickup moves briskly—too briskly at times. It frequently leans on genre tropes rather than inventing its own path, which makes much of the plot feel familiar before it starts. Director Tim Story keeps things serviceable—the heists, chases, and confrontations are coherent, but rarely daring. The third act's use of setting (notably Atlantic City) promises more visual character than it delivers. Story struggles to maintain tonal balance: the shifts between drama, comedy, and suspense feel awkward rather than integrated.

Murphy brings a reliable gravitas to Russell, but the supporting material often sidelines him into complacency. Davidson shows more spark as Travis, especially when he’s torn between idealism and temptation. Palmer as Zoe has charisma, though her motivations are undercooked—her arc from antagonist to reluctant ally feels more mechanical than earned. The chemistry is passable—when two of the leads are amusing, you hope that synergy will elevate the weaker spots; here, it only cushions the fall. Supporting actors (Longoria, Dice Clay) are mostly underutilized.

If you’re looking for nothing more than mindless streaming background fare, The Pickup delivers mild entertainment. It’s not suitable for children (violence, language), and those who prefer tight plotting or intelligent humor will find it frustrating. Fans of heist flicks with indulgent logic may squeak by tolerably.