Upon its release, Hyena Road received mixed to average reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a score of 55% based on 22 reviews. However, within Canada, many critics praised its ambition and unique perspective.

It serves as a worthy spiritual successor to Gross’s previous WWI masterpiece, Passchendaele . While Passchendaele dealt with the trauma of the past, Hyena Road grapples with the confusion of the present. It is a film that respects the soldier while questioning the mission. It is gritty, intelligent, and deeply moving.

The Ghost is a legendary figure from the Soviet-Afghan War, and his actions command immense respect among the local population. Canadian intelligence officer Pete (Paul Gross) sees the Ghost as a key to swaying local allegiances and securing the region for the road's construction. Pete believes he can manipulate the Ghost and other warlords to serve Canadian interests in a complex game of influence and control. However, his confidence and strategic arrogance are soon tested when a moral crisis emerges: the kidnapping of two girls from the Ghost’s village, an act Ryan witnesses but is unable to prevent.

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(Paul Gross): A cynical but savvy intelligence officer orchestrating complex "power plays" with local tribal leaders.

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In addition to the film, HarperCollins Canada published a novelization of Hyena Road written by Paul Gross. Released on September 8, 2015—one month before the film's general release—the novel expands on the story and characters.

To replicate the Afghan landscape safely, the film was shot on location in Jordan and at CFB Shilo in Manitoba, Canada. Gross initially considered shooting dialogue scenes in Afghanistan, but insurance companies were unwilling to cover the cast and crew past their plane landing at Kabul International Airport, forcing the production to relocate. The total production budget was approximately $12.5 million.