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The Bricklayer (film)

The Bricklayer is a 2023 American action thriller film directed by Renny Harlin and based on the novel of the same name by Noah Boyd, the pen name of Paul Lindsay.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Bricklayer is a 2023 American action thriller film directed by Renny Harlin and based on the novel of the same name by Noah Boyd, the pen name of Paul Lindsay. It stars Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev, Tim Blake Nelson, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Clifton Collins Jr., and was released in January 2024.

Premise

The story centres on a rogue insurgent who frames the CIA for killings and threatens the agency’s reputation. The CIA turns to ex-operative Steve Vail to help stop the conspiracy.

Production

The film was directed by Renny Harlin and written by Hanna Weg and Matt Johnson. It is based on the novel The Bricklayer by Noah Boyd, the pseudonym of Paul Lindsay.

Cast

The main cast includes Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev, Tim Blake Nelson, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Clifton Collins Jr. Eckhart leads the film as Steve Vail.

Release

The Bricklayer was released on January 5, 2024. Coverage in listings and reviews identifies it as a 2023 film that reached audiences in early 2024.

Key facts

  • The film follows a former CIA operative drawn back into service when the agency is blackmailed by a violent extortionist.
  • Aaron Eckhart plays Steve Vail, the ex-agent at the centre of the story.
  • Nina Dobrev plays CIA analyst Kate Bannon, who helps identify the threat.
  • The Bricklayer is adapted from a 2010 novel by Paul Lindsay, written under the pen name Noah Boyd.
  • It was released in the United States as a limited theatrical and streaming title on January 5, 2024.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally and later became available on streaming platforms accessible to Canadian viewers, making it part of the broader North American action-thriller market.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Bricklayer about?
It follows an ex-CIA operative who is brought back to stop a blackmail scheme involving assassinations and false accusations against the CIA.
Who directed The Bricklayer?
The film was directed by Renny Harlin.
Who stars in The Bricklayer?
The film stars Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev, Tim Blake Nelson, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Clifton Collins Jr.
What is The Bricklayer based on?
It is based on the 2010 novel The Bricklayer by Paul Lindsay, published under the pen name Noah Boyd.
When was The Bricklayer released?
It was released on January 5, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bricklayer
    Supports: Director, year, cast, writers, and basis on the novel
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bricklayer_2023
    Supports: Premise, director, screenwriters, distributor, genre, rating, and release date
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2016303/
    Supports: Plot details, cast, and director
  4. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81691563
    Supports: Synopsis and streaming availability
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-bricklayer
    Supports: Release date, runtime, director, cast, and plot summary