The writer is Taylor Sheridan and this guy has talent. If you like your slow-burning crime-related dramas with a lot of interesting in-depth themes, then check out his work and any of his future projects.
According to Sheridan, these three films are a loose trilogy on the modern America frontier. If that's the case, then this was a fitting final part. Throughout the film, there is a chilling feel to it and as the story and characters slowly development, we are eventually absorbed into this tough world.
Then we get treated with one of the most satisfying and phenomenal finale's I have seen for some time.
Sheridan's writing is as top notch as ever. It really effects you how you view the world. It did it for me in Sciario, Hell Or High Water and now with this. What I also liked about the writing is that it made the location a character in itself. You get that with some mystery films, and that always adds to the tension. A great example is Christopher Nolan's 'Insomnia'. If you haven't seen that, definitely check it out.
While Sheridan's previous works have strong performances, this I don't think is as strong or memorable. Despite that, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen still did a solid job. It is probably Renner's best performance. He really seemed to lose himself in his character and it is one of those moments that you forget that someone is acting. Olsen played the 'fish out of water' concept to her character rather well and her chemistry with Renner worked rather well.
A couple of minor notes. Firstly, Gil Birmingham gives a memorable performance despite it being a minor role. Also, there is a cameo from a pretty big name that came out of nowhere which was a nice surprise.
There is lots to like from the technical side. The wintery Wyoming landscape was beautifully shot and the eerie score perfectly the environment, tone and tension. I will certainly be listening to the music again.
I do have minor quarrels with it though. While I am always up for a slow-burner. The first two acts while good did not feel strong or had me totally gripped. Also there was one scene that felt out of place in terms of continuity. But you'll be glad to know that this is just me nit-picking.
In the end, I was quite moved by this mystery crime drama that slowly brews itself into something that deeply effected me with chilly effect.
It covers some pretty serious themes, and with the film being based on true events, the whole viewing experience is even more powerful.
The slow-burn pacing might put off some people. But the phenomenal and brutal final act is worth waiting for. It has been a while since I have seen such a satisfying finale.
Rating: 8/10
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