---
title: "The Mule"
year: 2018
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-mule-2018"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 504172
imdb_id: "tt7959026"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 116
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 5408
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Mule (2018) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-mule-2018

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "The Mule" tells the story of an elderly man, who is struggling financially and facing the loss of his business. He is offered a job that involves driving, which initially seems like a simple solution to his problems. However, this job has a hidden and illicit aspect. The man's success in this role leads to a significant increase in his responsibilities, drawing attention from a law enforcement agency. A DEA agent is tasked with tracking down the man, who has become a key figure in a larger operation.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "An octogenarian becomes an unlikely drug courier for a Mexican cartel."

### Why Watch
- Directed and led by Clint Eastwood
- Based on a true story
- Tense cat‑and‑mouse pursuit

### Caveats & Content Note
- Runtime approaches two hours
- Tone & Suitability: Contains drug trafficking and law‑enforcement violence, suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: crime, drama, thriller, slow-burn

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Basic with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Clint Eastwood
- **Networks / Studios**: Imperative Entertainment, Bron Studios, Malpaso Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Clint Eastwood** as *Earl Stone*
- **Bradley Cooper** as *Agent Colin Bates*
- **Laurence Fishburne** as *Special Agent in Charge*
- **Michael Peña** as *Agent Treviño*
- **Dianne Wiest** as *Mary*
- **Andy Garcia** as *Latón*
- **Ignacio Serricchio** as *Julio*
- **Taissa Farmiga** as *Ginny*
- **Alison Eastwood** as *Iris*
- **Richard Herd** as *Tim Kennedy*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Who directed and stars in the film?
Clint Eastwood directed the film and also stars as the lead character, Earl Stone.

### Q: What is the basic premise?
The story follows an elderly man who, facing financial hardship, becomes a drug courier for a Mexican cartel.

### Q: Is the film based on real events?
Yes, it is based on the true story of an octogenarian who became an unlikely drug courier.

### Q: What genres does the film belong to?
The film is classified as crime, drama, and thriller.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately one hour and fifty‑six minutes.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*