Philly on Film: Concrete Cowboy Debuts Friday on Netflix

Idris Elba stars in Concrete Cowboy, a Western drama debuting Friday, April 2, on Netflix. The other big star? Philly.

The film is a fictionalized story about the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, the North Philadelphia-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering and preserving urban horsemanship, and is directed by Ricky Staub of Philly-based Neighborhood Film Company.

Founded by Ellis Ferrell in 2004 (though its origins date back to the 1940s), the mostly self-funded club is a lifeline for youth who learn to ride and care for the horses residing in informal stables. It’s not uncommon to see someone riding a horse through the middle of dense North Philly neighborhoods on an otherwise ordinary afternoon.

The film focuses on a teenage boy (played by Caleb McLaughlin) who encounters the riding club after moving to Philadelphia to spend time with his father (Elba). Check out the trailer below.

While the film has brought attention to Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, the organization is still far from its fundraising goal to stay afloat as it risks losing its pasture to development.

Concrete Cowboy was filmed in Philly, so locals should be on the lookout for familiar spots, as well as many real-life members of Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. Bonus: Keep an ear open for Elba’s attempt at a Philly accent; the Brit reportedly had some training.

Tune in on Netflix starting Friday and check out our guide to other movies and TV shows starring Philly.