She Rides Shotgun is a highly anticipated crime thriller film set for release on August 1, 2025. Directed by Nick Rowland and starring Taron Egerton as the lead, this movie promises a gripping blend of emotion, suspense and intense action. It’s based on the award-winning novel by Jordan Harper, which tells the story of Nate, a recently released convict who must protect his daughter Polly while evading dangerous enemies.
At NetFilming, we’ve taken a deep dive into the filming locations that bring this powerful story to life—and how New Mexico’s rugged beauty plays a major role in shaping the film’s mood and tone.
Where Was She Rides Shotgun Filmed?
The movie was mostly filmed in New Mexico, USA, a state with beautiful scenery and a strong film industry. The places where the movie was filmed were carefully chosen to fit the themes of survival, escape and strength.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
A significant portion of the film was shot in Albuquerque, which is New Mexico’s biggest city. Albuquerque is a wonderful place for crime stories because of its dusty roads, dry heat, and gritty city settings.
Albuquerque’s wide roads and industrial settings reflect the tension and pace of a father and daughter constantly on the move. From motels to roadside diners, this city delivers both aesthetic and narrative value. Over 400 New Mexico crew members, actors and background talent worked on this production, according to the New Mexico Film Office.
Trivia:
Crime thrillers are a familiar sight in Albuquerque. It became famous around the world as the main filming location for Breaking Bad and its prequel series, Better Call Saul. Logan, The Avengers, and No Country for Old Men are some of the other well-known films that were filmed here.
New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains
The Sandia Mountains, which are just east of Albuquerque, were also a great place to film. The chase scenes in the movie are more dangerous and unpredictable because of the rough terrain, high-altitude roads and natural cliffs in this mountain range.
The stunning mountain scenery fits well with the movie’s themes of struggle, protection, and the emotional ups and downs between a father and daughter on the run.
Trivia:
The Sandia Mountains have appeared in several documentaries and nature specials. They also feature in The Last Stand (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger), which filmed action scenes along its winding roads.
Zia Pueblo, New Mexico
The production also filmed in Zia Pueblo, a small Native American community in New Mexico. This place probably had a quieter, more secluded feel, which fits with the story’s themes of escape and protection. The film’s road trip story was more real because of Zia Pueblo’s unique cultural heritage and peaceful landscapes.
Trivia: Zia Pueblo isn’t as common as a filming location, but New Mexico’s pueblos have been used in films like Hostiles and The Missing, which show off the state’s rich cultural and historical depth.
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
The town named Truth or Consequences also served as a filming location. This quiet desert town had a secluded, almost creepy feel that went well with the film’s themes of escape and solitude.
The story’s emotional depth is increased by the quiet neighbourhoods, low-traffic streets and old-fashioned signs as the characters try to stay hidden from their enemies.
Trivia:
Smaller indie productions have used Truth or Consequences, despite its lesser-known status. The town’s charm and desert isolation make it a go-to spot for filmmakers looking to capture an authentic Southwestern feel.
Production Timeline
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Mid-2023 |
| Principal Photography | January – February 2024 |
| Post-Production | March – November 2024 |
| Marketing & Promotion | Early to Mid-2025 |
| Theatrical Release | August 1, 2025 (U.S.) |
The filming wrapped up smoothly within early 2024, with New Mexico’s generous film tax incentives and diverse landscapes supporting a cost-effective and visually stunning shoot.
She Rides Shotgun Behind The Scenes
The making of She Rides Shotgun was as intense and emotional as the story it tells. Filming primarily took place in the wide, rugged landscapes of New Mexico, where cast and crew battled freezing early morning temperatures and dusty conditions to capture the raw atmosphere the story needed. According to director Nick Rowland, the production was committed to staying authentic to the spirit of the novel.
“We didn’t want anything glossy or artificial,” said Rowland in an interview. “The desert, the cold, the empty roads—those were all characters in the film.”
Taron Egerton, who plays Nate, went through physical and emotional preparation to portray the deeply conflicted ex-con. Speaking about the father-daughter dynamic in the film, Egerton shared:
“There’s something primal about Nate’s need to protect Polly. We wanted the audience to feel that connection in every scene.”
The young actress Ana Sophia Heger, who plays Polly, received praise from the crew for her maturity and performance. Producer Brad Weston noted that her natural chemistry with Egerton brought depth to their scenes:
“They connected instantly. That bond was real and it shows on camera,” Weston said.
The team used very little CGI and relied on real places and practical effects to make the high-stakes tension come to life. We used handheld cameras to film the action scenes so that they felt real and immersive.
She Rides Shotgun Official Trailer
At NetFilming, we believe this film is set to make an impact not only for its gripping story and stellar performances but also for how it transforms real locations into powerful cinematic experiences.
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