Another issue with art, what is gritty to one is not to another. I think it looks fairly gritty.
Is it the blood, the shadows? What is gritty to you, as in your definition?
I was thinking this walking the dog, not sure if it will fall flat but here's my last attempt.
I grew up playing the violin. I listened to classical music, as my grandmother loved it.
I also listened to the bands of the 80s and 90s, ranging from Metal, to Rock, to Punk.
Which is to say, classical music to raw, dirty, punk, are all acceptable options. And everything in between.
So, give me some sweaty, dirty, rock and roll. Give me some 80s punk with beer flying through the air.
When I say gritty. That's what I mean. Get some mud and dirt in here. Get some sweat, some flesh, make it
human.
Go watch some videos of some hard Muay Thai training, with some clinch work, look at the absolutely sweaty mess these guys turn into.
Give me that 80s punk, that 90s grunge, that sweaty rock and roll.
Conan style.