Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn, Caren Pistorius and Rory McCann
A 16-year-old Scottish boy leaves his home and travels through the wild west in order to reconnect with the girl he loves, while accompanied by a mysterious traveler, Silas.
Unlike most westerns, which are flashy and loud, this film takes a more subtle approach. It's subdued themes and characters build an intensity that is often missed in films in which people shoot first and ask questions later. Every action and bullet is meticulously thought over before decisions are made.
Another thing that stood out about this movie is that unlike other westerns where the entirety of the movie is spent on gun fights, this is a genuine character study into the mind of a naive teenage boy and the man using him to get what he wants. An intriguing scenario in which the unlikeliest of a friendship is built.
Michael Fassbender and Kodi Smit-McPhee have this uncomfortableness between them that really adds to the building of their bond. As their relationship develops, so does their chemistry. It is a very fluid feeling, following the two of them.
Ironically, what I believe to be it's biggest strength, others will more than likely see as a weakness. Yes, it would appear as though very little happens throughout most of the movie. But what they fail to realize is this isn't your typical western. This isn't all about gunfights and violence. This is a movie about the characters involved, not their actions. And from that standpoint, it is brilliant.
My Rating: 7/10
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