Actor, director, and producer Kiefer Sutherland has been involved with numerous successful and critically acclaimed productions within the Hollywood industry. From his memorable portrayal of Ace Merrill in the timeless film ‘Stand by Me’ to his role as Tom Kirkman on the popular show ‘Designated Survivor’, it’s evident that Sutherland shares his father’s exceptional acting ability. Though Kiefer’s films span various genres, many can be classified as action, adventure, and suspense.
In a project that mirrors the action genre while incorporating Western elements that 1923 fans will appreciate, both Kiefer and Donald Sutherland are involved.
A 2015 Western action film titled “Forsaken” was helmed by Jon Cassar. Actors Kiefer Sutherland (“Designated Survivor”), Donald Sutherland (“Invasion of the Body Snatchers”), Demi Moore (“Ghost”) and Brian Cox (“Troy”) are among its star-studded cast. Boasting an impressive 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, several nominations for the Canadian Screen Awards and now available for free streaming, it seems this film delivers an enjoyable experience to viewers.
The Tumultuous Narrative of ‘Forsaken’
The movie narrates the story of John Henry Clayton (Kiefer Sutherland), a wanderer who’s drifted apart from his family for a decade since his service in the Civil War. In search of tranquility, John Henry revisits his father, Reverend Samuel Clayton (Donald Sutherland). Yet, Samuel is far from welcoming, as he harbors resentment towards his son because of his questionable past and what he perceives to be John Henry’s hidden anger.
Upon hearing about John Henry’s arrival, James McCurdy (played by Brian Cox), the proprietor of the local saloon, advises his men to stay vigilant as they anticipate potential trouble from John Henry. James fears that John Henry will thwart his attempts to compel local farmers to relinquish their land through force. During his time in town, John Henry encounters Mary Alice (portrayed by Demi Moore), an old flame. However, it turns out that Mary Alice has a son and a husband, who eventually becomes one of the farmers targeted by McCurdy.
Donald and Kiefer Sutherland Play Father and Son in ‘Forsaken’
A significant portion of John Henry’s inner turmoil stems from his strained bond with his father, who is deeply religious. John Henry, having served as a soldier during the Civil War, carries heavy burdens from the atrocities he both did and witnessed. This has led him to question the religious teachings he received from his father in his youth. This is challenging because Samuel is a devout individual who feels compelled to rekindle John Henry’s faith to shield him from eternal torment.
With a heavy heart, John Henry steps back into the church to alleviate his father’s worries, but McCurdy’s feud seeps in too, momentarily disrupting his search for tranquility and bonding with Samuel. Later on, John Henry discloses some of his wartime actions to Samuel. As Samuel comprehends that his son is tormented by his past, he starts leaning towards forgiveness.
Critics and Audiences Are Split With ‘Forsaken’
Although the audience on Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie an impressive score of 86%, it received a lower rating of 40% from critics. The primary reason for this discrepancy is that the film overused familiar themes in the Western genre, making it less memorable compared to other Western films. However, the critics did acknowledge that the action sequences and gunfights were skillfully executed. Unfortunately, the storyline of the revenge against McCurdy was not unique enough to earn any additional commendation.
Despite some viewers finding the film to be typical of the Western genre without much innovation, they were captivated by the powerful performances of Kiefer and Donald Sutherland, which brought depth and emotion to the storyline. Although some felt the pacing was leisurely, it allowed them to savor the visual aspects of the movie and become acquainted with the characters. In summary, Forsaken is a film worth watching for those seeking a traditional Western experience. It can be streamed for free on Pluto and Tubi.
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2025-03-12 00:32