The Brutal Western That Will Make ‘American Primeval’ Fans Scream in Horror

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The new Western show on Netflix titled “American Primeval“ has been one of the most popular programs on the platform recently, maintaining the top spot for several days until being ousted by WWE Monday Night Raw’s latest installment. This gritty series is penned by Mark L. Smith, who wrote “The Revenant,” and directed by Peter Berg, known for “Deepwater Horizon.” The show unsparingly immerses viewers in the harsh, violently brutal world of the American West in 1857, a period that Hollywood frequently romanticizes or softens.

In contrast to numerous westerns that present a less gritty portrayal of 19th Century frontier life, certain productions have been daring enough before the arrival of “American Primeval.” One such example from recent times can be found on the same platform, readily accessible following the last episode: 2015’s “Bone Tomahawk,” a film written and directed by S. Craig Zahler in his directorial debut. Although it employs less violence than “American Primeval,” when it does delve into violence, it presents some of the most intense and cringe-worthy scenes ever captured on film.

‘Bone Tomahawk’s Weird West

The movie, Bone Tomahawk, starts with two scoundrels, Purvis (played by David Arquette) and Buddy (renowned horror star Sid Haig), having just robbed and murdered at a camp, accidentally discover a solemn Native American burial ground filled with human remains. Ignoring the sanctity of the graves, Buddy steps forward carelessly, only to be swiftly struck down by an arrow fired from somewhere hidden, while Purvis manages to narrowly dodge a similar fate.

Later on, Purvis shows up in the neighboring town of Bright Hope, donning another man’s garments. He conceals his stolen goods there and adopts a new persona. However, his disguise doesn’t fool the sheriff, Franklin Hunt (portrayed by Kurt Russell with one of his numerous manly mustaches), or his compassionate deputy Chicory (Richard Jenkins). When Purvis attempts to flee, he is shot. Sheriff Hunt dispatches a brash gunslinger named John Brooder (Matthew Fox) to fetch the town doctor for Purvis’s treatment. Instead, Brooder brings Samantha (Lili Simmons), the doctor’s daughter, as the doctor is indisposed. Abandoning her husband Arthur (Patrick Wilson), who was recovering from a broken leg at home, she goes to care for the wounded man.

The following day, Purvis, Samantha, and Deputy Nick (Evan Jonigkeit) have all vanished, along with the latter who was keeping watch over the prisoner. It appears they may have been abducted by a tribe of cannibalistic Native Americans, whose secluded existence and peculiar customs distinguish them from other Native American groups. Hunt, Chicory, Brooder, and Arthur, despite Arthur’s injury, decide to venture into the territory of these cannibals in an attempt to rescue the captives. Joining them is Arthur who insists on accompanying them instead of remaining behind. Their journey takes them through various challenges, both man-made and natural, before they come face-to-face with their formidable adversaries.

‘Bone Tomahawk’s Use of Violence

In contrast to being generally categorized as a “horror western,” S. Craig Zahler himself considers the script for “Bone Tomahawk” to be more of a traditional western with an exceptionally gruesome narrative. Contrary to expectations, the film delves slowly into graphic violence, and surprisingly, it is largely devoid of violence during its extended scenes. Similar to his later works like “Brawl in Cell Block 99” and “Dragged Across Concrete,” Zahler isn’t shy about letting his films unfold at a leisurely pace. Thus, “Bone Tomahawk” is as much a contemplative character study as it is a gory horror film.

In the movie Bone Tomahawk, Zahler masterfully weaves language, and the dialogue is as vibrant and concisely poetic as in Deadwood or one of Tarantino’s western productions. The slow-moving rhythm of the film allows viewers to accompany the four protagonists, learning about them as characters by observing their strategies for surviving in the wilderness. Brooder exhibits a cold practicality and detachment, ready to shoot down a stranger rather than risk being robbed or killed himself. Arthur is obstinate and resolute, unwilling to let others save his wife despite his leg forcing him to move at a snail’s pace. Chicory appears too gentle for this harsh environment, but his kindness offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim situation.

The violence in the film unexpectedly surfaces, disrupting the tranquility that otherwise prevails throughout, leaving a lasting impression even on hardened viewers who regularly consume violent content. One particularly disturbing scene occurs when Hunt and Chicory are taken captive, and the cannibals choose their first victim – this sequence may linger in the minds of those who endured an equally harrowing scene from ‘American Primeval’. It’s possible that those viewers might find it less shocking. The sparing use of violence by Zahler makes ‘Bone Tomahawk’ far more gruesome than other films overflowing with gore. Although he does not offer many insights into the cannibals’ lifestyle, the brief glimpses he offers hint at something profoundly unnerving.

In Bone Tomahawk, it could be contended that the portrayal of Native characters perpetuates longstanding “savage native” stereotypes common in the early days of the western genre. However, director S. Craig Zahler differentiates these cannibals from other Native nations, depicting them as almost inhuman. The film includes only one Native character, ‘The Professor’ (Zahn McClarnon), who clarifies that even the locals shun the cannibals. While this representation might evoke unease when viewed from a contemporary standpoint, Bone Tomahawk nonetheless delivers an engaging and impactful western narrative.

As a devoted admirer, I believe Bone Tomahawk will be chiefly recognized for its intense scenes of violence, yet beneath that facade, it’s essentially a tale about camaraderie – a narrative where individuals set aside their disagreements and bravely strive towards a shared objective. The Old West, as often portrayed, is notorious for its lawlessness and brutality, but fortunately, there were honorable souls like Sheriff Hunt and Deputy Chicory who kept the balance.

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2025-01-20 07:01