Yardie is a 2018 crime drama film directed by Idris Elba. It is based on the 1992 novel of the same name by Victor Headley. The film takes place in Jamaica in the early 1970s and follows the story of a young boy named Dennis (Aml Ameen) who witnesses his older brother's assassination. The boy is taken in by a powerful don named King Fox (Sheldon Shepherd), who becomes a father figure to him.
Ten years later, Dennis, now a young man, has become a trusted enforcer for King Fox's drug empire. He is sent to London to deliver a package as part of a deal with a British gang. However, Dennis becomes distracted by his personal mission of avenging his brother's death, which leads him to cross paths with a rival gang and a childhood sweetheart (Shantol Jackson).
The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle to break free from the cycle of violence. The soundtrack features classic reggae tracks from artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Dennis Brown. Yardie received positive reviews for its depiction of Jamaican culture and the performances of its cast.
