By Romey Norton September 5, 2024
Adapted from the 2013 novel by Joe R, Tubi brings the American Western film 'The Thicket'. Peter Dinklage stars as Reginald Jones, a bounty hunter. 'The Thicket' also stars Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna), Levon Hawke (The Crowded Room), and Leslie Grace (In The Heights).
Synopsis
The story is a classic rescue mission, and easy to follow. Set at the turn of the century, 'The Thicket' follows an innocent young man, Jack, who quests to rescue his sister Lula who’s been kidnapped by the violent killer Cut Throat Bill and her gang. Jack hires a grave-digging alcoholic son of an ex-slave, Reginald Jones to help him. With his band of unlikely friends (which includes a grave-digging ex-slave and a street-smart woman-for-hire) they chase down the notorious killer. However, things don’t go to plan and the team end up in a no-man's-land known as The Big Thicket. This is a dangerous place of strife and chaos. Now, they must navigate their way out if they’re to save Lula.
Review
Juliette Lewis is captivating as the cut-throat, cruel killer who has a problem with pretty girls. Lewis’ portrayal of this menacing, intense, hateful woman is a masterclass in acting. Audiences are instantly shown where she gets her reputation from through an intense opening scene. The character is complex, and shows a softer side when lost in the memory of her troubled childhood. This is a simple explanation for her extremely harsh attitude, and hatred towards pretty girls.
Peter Dinklage is charismatic on screen, matching the intensity of his co-star Lewis, and driving the narrative along through helping poor young Jack find his sister. This character is more gentle and caring, so having a role reversal where the woman is cruel and the man is softer and scared is a powerful move.
Hawke does an excellent job of playing a brother rescuing his only sister. His character is kind, brave and determined, making him easily likeable and you want him to succeed.
Creed-Miles as Lula is sweet, with some shocking scenes that’ll have your heart in your stomach. Creed-miles gives it her all as the sister trying to escape and clinging onto hope.
'The Thicket' is beautifully shot, with dark tones of greys and blues to heighten the sense of winter and hardship. There are stunning shots of the team riding through the snow. The picturesque landscape contrasts the brutal, gritty violence that surrounds them. For fans of the western genre, the film stays true and has plenty of short and sweet shoot out scenes, and fist fights.
The story is simple, but the film has a strong pace, leading towards an exhilarating, and tragic end. The final scenes were far more emotional than I was expecting, and ties the film up nicely.
Through the drama, grit and ruthless killings, 'The Thicket' has themes of self-identity, consequences, survival, and moving on. Over-all, 'The Thicket' is an intense modern Western drama with a stellar cast and stunning imagery. A must-watch!
Star Rating
'The Thicket' releases in cinemas September 6
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