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| Courtesy of Lionsgate |
I’ll
get right to the point: this extraordinarily intense modern western, which I
hadn’t even heard of until a few weeks ago, is one of the best films of 2016.
Unfortunately, its limited release strategy means it’s only playing in a
handful of Atlanta theaters. You’ll have to put in a little extra effort to
experience this gripping, darkly funny tale, but I promise it’s worth the
drive. I’m already making plans to see it again.
Reminiscent
of the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men, director David Mackenzie and
screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) tell the story of a divorced dad
(Chris Pine) and his ex-con brother (Ben Foster) who resort to robbing banks to
save the family’s West Texas farm. Hot on their tails is a shrewd cop on the
verge of retirement (Jeff Bridges, channeling his version of Rooster Cogburn) and
his long-suffering partner (Gil Birmingham).
That’s
essentially the whole plot, though part of the fun is discovering the
underlying messages, both subtle and not-so-much. Let’s just say the film and
most of its characters – on both sides of the law – don’t have much sympathy
for the banks. Plus, you get the impression that bystanders are probably
rooting for the robbers they think of as present-day Robin Hoods. If they
happen to cross paths with them, though…well, almost everybody’s carrying a gun
in Texas.
Clocking
in at a lean 102 minutes, Hell or High Water weaves a straightforward yet
complex narrative that isn’t interested in the standard cops and robbers
tropes. Each of the four main characters is interesting and significant
(although Foster’s hothead, while solidly acted, is the most clichéd), meaning
the movie makes it almost impossible for the audience to choose sides for most
of the running time.
The
harrowing third act ultimately makes the choice less difficult, but the
absolutely perfect conclusion reinstates a gut-wrenching sense of ambiguity. As
the end credits roll, chances are you’ll still be arguing with yourself about
who was “right” in that final conversation.
The
performances are outstanding, especially Pine. He’s spent so much time in the
blockbuster world that I forgot what a phenomenal character actor he is. As the
conflicted heart of the story, this is easily the best work he’s ever done.
Bridges
is fantastic as well; he’s not stepping outside his comfort zone by any stretch
of the imagination, but his world-weary cop is a persona that audiences have
grown to love. Still, the film’s surprise MVP is Birmingham, whose deadpan
delivery as his character shoulders the boss’ loving abuse is both endearing
and admirable.
As
we rapidly approach the fall movie season, the oncoming flood of Oscar bait will
have to work pretty hard to wrestle a spot away from Hell of High Water on my
10 Best List. It reminded me why I love going to the movies in the first place.
Hell or High Water is rated R for some strong violence, language throughout and brief sexuality.
Grade:
A
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