As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has weathered countless cinematic storms, I must confess that “Bone Tomahawk” left me feeling both terrified and captivated for its entire runtime. Having grown up on Western classics like John Ford’s “The Searchers” and Sergio Leone’s “Dollars Trilogy,” I found myself drawn to the authenticity of this modern-day Western.
When Stephen King talks, people listen.
As a horror movie enthusiast with decades of experience under my belt, I have to admit that I was taken aback when the master of the macabre himself endorsed “Bone Tomahawk” as a “low-budget Western epic.” Now, I’ve seen my fair share of horror films, from the classics like “Night of the Living Dead” to more modern offerings like “Get Out,” and I can confidently say that “Bone Tomahawk” stands out among them.
In fact, this was King’s exact tweet:
On a typically uneventful rainy Wednesday, I anticipated just passing the time with a movie. Instead, I encountered a captivating low-budget Western saga. The dialogue itself is an excellent reason to watch it. However, be prepared for the climax, where a character undergoes a gruesome fate – being literally torn apart.
Absolutely on board with your sentiment! Now, let me tell you why I think “Bone Tomahawk” is exceptional. To give you a hint without ruining any surprises, here’s a peek. And don’t worry, I’ll make an effort to steer clear of spoilers in case you decide to watch this outstanding western movie for yourself.
It Both Does, And It Doesn’t Feel Like A Western
Looking at the promotional content and still shots for Bone Tomahawk, it immediately triggers that classic “Western” feel within me, and rightfully so, since it seems like a true Western at first glance.
Without a doubt, this movie appears to be a classic Western. After all, it boasts Kurt Russell, who’s quite accustomed to the genre given his stellar performances in films like Tombstone’s finale and Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. Moreover, there’s an abundance of gunplay and horseback riding, which are staples of Western cinema. Therefore, it can be safely assumed that this is a traditional Western production.
Indeed, you’ve got a point there. However, it’s also incorrect to label it as traditional, given its unique twist. In actuality, it’s been categorized as a Western horror film and shares similarities with others in the genre such as “Ravenous,” “Westworld,” and 2018’s “The Wind.”
Indeed, while it might not be among my top choices for the greatest horror films ever made, its unique ability to seamlessly blend genres makes it hard to categorize, which is quite remarkable.
The story revolves around a remote native group suspected of being cannibals, who have kidnapped local villagers. A sheriff, portrayed by Russell, embarks on a relentless mission to save these captives, enduring numerous hardships along the way.
It’s clear to me why Stephen King appreciated this tale! Unlike many traditional Westerns that can glorify the past, Bone Tomahawk portrays a harsh and merciless frontier of the American West instead.
The entire movie instills an overwhelming fear in me, causing a shiver of unease every time I watch it. This is typically a sign of an exceptional horror film. I need to experience some sort of intense emotion, whether it’s gut-wrenching terror or just a persistent feeling of dread, and “Bone Tomahawk” certainly delivers on that for me.
I Genuinely Feel Scared For Kurt Russell’s Character For Pretty Much The Entire Movie
Sheriff Franklin Hunt is an honorable individual who takes his duties seriously. Unlike some cinematic cops who freely bend the rules, such as William “Little Bill” Daggett Jr. in “Unforgiven”, Sheriff Hunt prioritizes upholding justice without resorting to lethal force unnecessarily. He would prefer to wound a suspect in order to apprehend him rather than take a life to avoid escape.
We appreciate his personality, and we hope he remains safe. We’re rooting for him to succeed in rescuing the kidnapped people from cannibals and return safely to his hometown.
Throughout the film, his character is consistently in danger. There isn’t a single instance where it seems he’s secure or immune to being brutally killed. Even when he discovers an arrow in his office, it becomes evident that his survival may not extend beyond the movie’s conclusion.
As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to reveal whether it’s true or not. However, let me share a thought: No character in this film is invincible, regardless of how much we might cherish them.
Stephen King Is Right. The Dialogue Really Is Special
I really appreciate well-crafted dialogues, and I completely concur with Stephen King’s viewpoint that they can make a piece truly enjoyable to watch. The way the conversations flow is genuinely realistic and seamless.
When Deputy Chicory enters Hunt’s office, Hunt is preparing stew, and as he walks in, Chicory mentions that he was “wandering outside,” followed by a whiff and a comment about the smell being “awful.” Hunt responds, “It’s soup.” Chicory then says, “Oh,” and then asks, “Could I possibly have some?”
In this movie, the characters seem to chat as if they’re oblivious to their grim reality. Remarkably, director S. Craig Zahler, who penned the script himself, skillfully breathes life and vulnerability into each character, making them feel remarkably real on screen.
In many instances, I find that Western movies are strengthened by their expansive landscapes and over-the-top characters. However, Bone Tomahawk seems to be a more intimate, character-driven Western, and I believe it’s the exceptional dialogue that creates this feel. It’s truly remarkable!
It’s Also So Gruesome!
As a gamer putting my thoughts into words, let me clarify what I meant earlier about Bone Tomahawk being a horror Western. It’s not like From Dusk Till Dawn where the genre takes a sudden twist halfway through and we find out that there are supernatural creatures lurking around. Instead, Bone Tomahawk stays true to its Western roots while still delivering chills and scares that make it a unique blend of both genres.
In this movie, instead, the cannibals are portrayed as utterly terrifying; a scene described by Stephen King himself as one where a character is brutally dismembered in the final act.
As someone who has spent countless hours engrossed in the thrilling world of samurai movies, I can confidently say that this particular display was far from the exhilarating spectacle those films often provide. Unlike the glorious fireworks of blood splattering after a skillful sword-wielding hero slices an opponent in two, this scene was depicted in a way that was disturbingly realistic and left me feeling quite queasy. I found myself having to look away when the true nature of the action was revealed, a stark contrast to the cinematic excitement I’m accustomed to experiencing.
Although the rest of the movie doesn’t reach the level of graphic violence as that particular scene, it is still filled with intense bloodshed and emotional distress – in all the right ways. The relentless gore serves to deepen your connection with these characters, whom you genuinely don’t want to see suffer. This brutal portrayal only adds to the movie’s impressive appeal, making it truly exceptional.
In The End, It Feels Like A True Cult Classic
Ultimately, I find myself utterly captivated by the timeless allure of the film “Bone Tomahawk“. Remarkably, it transcends typical genre preferences – whether you’re a fan of horror or Westerns or neither – as there are numerous aspects that make this movie appealing. For instance, the acting is truly commendable, particularly by David Arquette and Patrick Wilson. Additionally, I previously mentioned the exceptional dialogue, which truly stands out.
Additionally, it shares a unique “Have you watched it?” vibe, reminiscent of films such as Eraserhead and Darren Aronofsky’s mother!. This is a type of movie that I am aware not everyone will enjoy, but for the right audience, I have no hesitation in recommending it. Those who I’ve introduced to this film all agree – “It’s quite disturbing…but I found myself drawn to it.”
As a movie enthusiast with decades of film-watching under my belt, I can confidently say that this cult classic is truly something special. It may not appeal to everyone, especially those with more delicate sensibilities, but for those who appreciate the quirky and offbeat, it’s pure gold. And to top it all off, it’s not even ancient history – a rarity in the world of cult cinema!
Well, friend, here’s my two cents: If you fancy giving it a go, you can stream this show using your Netflix or Hulu subscription – I’ve heard great things about both! Now, if it doesn’t tickle your fancy, well, don’t blame the newbie over here. Blame ol’ Stephen King, or perhaps the ghost of a writer past, if you will. Either way, I stand by my recommendation and am ready to defend it tooth and nail – even if it means going down in flames!
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2024-08-03 18:07