Duster Review: Is Max's New Series Worth Watching?

Released on May 15, 2025, on Max, Duster is a series created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan that blends action, crime, and social commentary in a vibrant and tense setting: the United States in the 1970s.

The series follows a frantic chase, featuring stylized visuals and intense characters. It goes beyond aesthetics to delve into the contradictions of an era marked by social, racial, and institutional conflicts.

Trailer

1972: What was happening in the United States?

To understand the backdrop of Duster, it's important to recall the historical moment in which the story takes place.

In 1972, the U.S. was undergoing a period of profound transformation. The Watergate scandal was about to erupt, revealing a crisis of confidence in political institutions. The FBI, newly without J. Edgar Hoover after his death, faced a power vacuum and internal questioning. The Vietnam War still sparked massive protests, while civil rights and feminist movements pushed for equality.

This turbulence serves as the backdrop for the series, which uses the political and social chaos of the era to enrich its internal conflicts and highlight themes such as racism, institutional sexism, and the marginalization of minorities.

It is in this context that we meet Nina, played by Rachel Hilson, a young Black agent fresh out of Quantico. Her presence in the agency is a result of an inclusion policy, but it's clear that genuine acceptance is far from happening. The screenplay handles this theme with sensitivity and intelligence.

Story Summary and Main Characters

Duster follows Jim, portrayed by Josh Holloway, a driver involved with a criminal organization led by Ezra, played by Keith David. Jim is loyal, skilled behind the wheel, and carries past traumas, especially the loss of his brother.

He also looks after young Luna, which brings a more human dimension to the character.

The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Nina, a young Black FBI agent fresh from training, portrayed by Rachel Hilson. She faces resistance within the agency and finds herself isolated, treated as a symbol of superficial diversity.

Nina decides to confront Ezra's criminal empire and, along the way, teams up with Navajo agent Awan and secretary Jessica, forming an unlikely trio that challenges the institution's conservative logic.

The direction by Steph Green and Darren Grant gives the series a dynamic pace, with action scenes that lean into intentional exaggeration.

The series embraces its stylized aesthetic, with clear references to films like Bullitt and animations like Looney Tunes. The costume design by Dayna Pink features leather jackets, dark glasses, and a vintage vibe that directly harks back to the 70s.

Meanwhile, the soundtrack, filled with classics of the era and lesser-known songs, helps build Duster's nostalgic and energetic atmosphere.

Duster's Strengths and Limitations

The series excels in visuals, pacing, and performances. Josh Holloway shines with his natural charisma, Rachel Hilson capably carries the lead role, and Keith David, as always, delivers a striking presence.

Duster particularly appeals to those who enjoy crime stories with a retro aesthetic and bold action sequences.

Although Duster is not a purely political series, it constantly incorporates elements of social critique. Nina faces racism and sexism within the FBI, and the series addresses these issues honestly, even if it doesn't delve into them completely. The presence of indigenous characters and the brief portrayal of Navajo culture contribute to bringing diversity to the narrative.

However, there are some weaknesses in the script. From episode 5 onwards, the series branches out with subplots that seem to exist purely for visual effect or extravagance.

Figures like Howard Hughes, an eccentric assassin, and even references to Elvis Presley appear almost randomly, which weakens the main narrative thread. Some plotlines are not developed in depth, ultimately harming the emotional impact of the story.

Even so, it's just eight episodes packed with style, action, and strong performances. Despite its missteps, Duster manages to entertain with personality, especially in its final stretch.

It may not be a masterpiece, but it's a series that leaves its mark, especially for those who enjoy stories with a vintage flair.

If you're looking for a series with adrenaline, stylized visuals, and touches of social critique, Duster certainly deserves your attention. Although it doesn't fully explore all the themes it presents, the series delivers quality entertainment, with an irresistible retro charm and characters that defy expectations. The ending leaves a bittersweet taste, but the journey is intense and engaging.

I especially recommend it for fans of series with vintage aesthetics, cinematic car chases, and plots that flirt with the absurd without losing personality.

• Original title: Duster

• Created by: J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan

• Genre: Drama, Crime

• Release date: May 15, 2025

• Platform: Max

• Original language: English

• Rating: TV-MA

• Directed by: Steph Green, Darren Grant

• Main cast: Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Keith David, Camille Guaty, Asivak Koostachin, Sofia Vassilieva, Benjamin Charles Watson

• Executive producers: J.J. Abrams, LaToya Morgan, Rachel Rusch Rich