The Daily Wire’s latest film, “Run Hide Fight: Infidels,” has ignited a fierce debate between the conservative media company and mainstream critics, with both sides seemingly energised by the controversy.
Mainstream outlets have not held back in their criticism of the movie. Variety dismissed it as “Islamophobic promotional campaign” and “unworthy of its outrage,” while Slate called it “deranged” despite conceding its action sequences were “Die Hard-ish.” The Guardian blasted the film’s “brazen political incorrectness,” and Movie Nation complained of “a whole lot of hate packed into its 120 or so minutes.”
But the negative reviews are precisely what the Daily Wire is highlighting, arguing that the backlash proves the film’s point. In an article published on its own site, the company framed the hostile reception as evidence that Hollywood refuses to confront uncomfortable truths about radical Islam.
The Criticism
Variety’s reviewer argued that the film, rather than satirising liberal overreach, suggests that empathy for marginalised groups—including Indigenous tribes and Palestinians—is “a purely oppressive force.” The review asked: “Are you contemptuous of radical leftists who believe that others should be treated with decency, care and respect? If so, this is the film for you.”
Slate’s critic pointed out that no terrorist event like the one depicted in “Infidels” has occurred on a college campus, implying the plot is far-fetched. The reviewer described a “feeling of evil glee” in the film’s carnage, concluding it was ultimately “deranged.”
The Guardian criticised the film’s “bad Muslim” conceit as “dated,” while YouTube reviewer “Rama’s Screen” called it a “torture session” and accused Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro of wanting “everyone to hate” all Muslims. Rama added that the film “doesn’t care about the fact that wearing a hijab is a personal choice” and that millions of moderate female Muslims do not wear headscarves.
The Defence
Shapiro fired back at The Guardian on X, writing: “What they find disturbing, by the way, is that we depict ISIS doing ISIS things. This is unacceptable. ISIS must never be portrayed doing ISIS things. They must instead be portrayed as victims of Western imperialism.”
Shapiro’s post also prompted some of his followers to express enthusiasm for the film, with one commenting, “Stop, I’m already [planning] on watching it, you don’t have to convince me.”
Other reviewers offered a different take. Christian Toto praised the film, writing that “‘Infidels’ has little interest in subtlety. It’s a bare-knuckled assault on a Hollywood ecosystem that ignores reality and the Modern Left.” He compared it favourably to “Citizen Vigilante,” noting it has “far more skill, humor and self-awareness.”
Film Threat also gave a positive review, calling it “a visceral experience” and praising the screenplay for weaving “satire, romance, and explosive action in a tight package.” The reviewer highlighted the film’s stunt work, pyrotechnics, and practical effects, and compared it to Daily Wire hits like Matt Walsh’s documentaries “What is a Woman?” and “Am I Racist?” The review concluded that “‘Infidels’ is an exhilarating blockbuster that will bring out the fighting American spirit this fall.”
The Stakes
“Run Hide Fight: Infidels” is the latest entry in the Daily Wire’s expanding entertainment offerings, which have carved out a niche audience by directly challenging mainstream narratives. The company has previously found success with films like “Run Hide Fight” and documentaries from Walsh that tackle hot-button cultural issues.
The intense reaction from both sides underscores the polarised nature of American media consumption, where a film’s reception is often as much about political identity as it is about cinematic merit. For its supporters, the film is a rare example of unapologetic storytelling; for its critics, it is dangerous propaganda.
As the culture war continues to rage, “Run Hide Fight: Infidels” has become a flashpoint, with each negative review seemingly fuelling more interest among the Daily Wire’s base. The film is currently streaming on The Daily Wire, where subscribers can judge for themselves.
Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/hollywood-hates-infidels-thats-exactly-why-you-should-watch-it