As a film enthusiast with over three decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Juliette Lewis is one of the most underrated performers in Hollywood today. Her electric energy and versatility on screen have consistently left audiences in awe, and her ability to seamlessly transition from the big screen to television is nothing short of remarkable.
Juliette Lewis is without a doubt one of Hollywood’s most underrated yet phenomenal performers, with the talented actress starring in a slew of eclectic films over her more than 30-year career. From acclaimed pictures like Cape Fear, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, and The Basketball Diaries to edgy classics like Natural Born Killers and From Dusk till Dawn, Lewis has proven that she can brilliantly transform herself for any character or genre and do so spectacularly.
Previously, she demonstrated her impressive talents yet again as she shared the screen with Peter Dinklage, formerly of “Game of Thrones,” in the intense Western thriller titled “The Thicket.” This film is an adaptation of Joe R. Lansdale’s novel by the same name. In this compelling production, Lewis delved deep into her sinister and depraved persona, taking on the role of Cutthroat Bill, a character originally male but reimagined for the film. Let us delve further into the plot of “The Thicket” and how masterfully Lewis portrayed her character from beginning to end.
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A Riveting Adaptation With a Killer Cast
In the 2024 Western thriller The Thicket, inspired by Joe R. Lansdale’s novel, we see standout performances from Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis. The story centers around Reginald Jones, a remarkable bounty hunter, who is sought out by a frantic young man. This man implores Jones to find Cutthroat Bill, a ruthless murderer who has kidnapped his sister. As the resourceful and determined Jones embarks on this quest, he gathers an unusual team of allies, including a former slave-turned-gravedigger and a cunning woman-for-hire, to aid him in rescuing the abducted woman.
Jones, accompanied by his reliable associate Eustace (Gbenga Akkinagbe) and a group of outcasts, venture on a perilous trip across the harsh, unkempt winter wilderness. Their objective is to find and apprehend the elusive Cutthroat Bill and her bandit crew. To achieve this, they need to skillfully maneuver through the chaotic, lawless region called “The Thicket.” They are driven by a desperate mission: to save Lula (Esmé Creed-Miles), who is Jack Parker’s (Levon Hawke) sole connection to the world, and someone he would travel to extreme lengths to rescue.
Lewis Dominates in Gender-Swapped Role
In this adaptation of the sports film, Juliette Lewis demonstrated an impressive acting range when she took on the role of the formidable and ruthless Cutthroat Bill. This character, traditionally male, was reimagined as a woman for the screen, complete with facial scars and a gravelly, deep voice. The relentless and fearsome antagonist showed no qualms about taking lives if necessary, and her actions were cold and calculated. This made her a formidable adversary for Reginald Jones, and she seemed devoid of empathy or compassion. Notably, Lewis stepped into the role after Noomi Rapace (of the Millenium series fame) had to withdraw, which allowed her to deliver an exceptionally powerful performance.
The decision to change the antagonist from a male to female was genius, as it gave the Western genre a refreshing update and provided a more modern feel, with Lewis masterfully excelling in the devious and deadly role. The tension continued to build as audiences anxiously awaited the moment when Jones and Cutthroat Bill would finally come face-to-face, and both Lewis and Dinklage really captured the tension that was brewing between the two opposing forces. Moreover, Lewis’ character had an air of mystique surrounding her, as everyone in the film originally believed she was male and that was by her own design.
When discussing how she prepared for the role, Lewis told ScreenRant:
In her origins, understanding what led to such brutal behavior was a quest I had to undertake on an intuitive level, as the coldness in her gaze was truly unsettling. The darkness within her eyes is deeply unnerving, and so it’s like some sort of fundamental transformation – I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s akin to metamorphosis… I had an objective in mind, and the scars, the voice, and the elements I was provided with greatly assisted me in achieving it.
When The Thicket hit global screens on September 6, 2024, both viewers and critics were left astounded by Lewis’ powerful portrayal and her chilling depiction of a ruthless character. Critics have particularly praised Lewis’ performance in the Western genre, with many describing it as one of her best, and several noting the exceptional chemistry between her and Dinklage. In their glowing review for FandomWire, the critics wrote: “The Thicket stands out as one of the best Westerns produced in recent years. Dinklage is mesmerizing to watch, while Lewis portrays Bill as a relentless villain but also manages to bring to light the icy vulnerability hidden within this ominous figure.
One of Hollywood’s Most Underrated Performers
Juliette Lewis is undeniably one of the silver screen’s most underrated performers despite having been a constant presence in Hollywood for over 30 years. The vivacious actress has appeared alongside some of the entertainment industry’s most sensational stars including Robert De Niro, Johnny Depp, Mia Farrow, and Woody Harrelson, and has collaborated with revered directors like Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, and Kathryn Bigelow. Lewis’ dazzling screen credits feature prominent performances in box office hits such as Natural Born Killers, From Dusk till Dawn, August: Osage County, and Starsky & Hutch (among countless others).
Apart from excelling as a prominent actress on the silver screen, Lewis has expanded her talents into captivating television productions. Most recently, she played Natalie Scatorccio in the highly praised psychological thriller series “Yellowjackets.” Additionally, Lewis has graced shows like “Wayward Pines,” “The Conners,” “Queer as Folk,” and “Welcome to Chippendales.” Her versatility and skill have consistently left audiences amazed, as she breathes life into every role with an unmatched brilliance. Fans of Lewis are overjoyed to witness her success and flourishing career, eagerly anticipating her future projects following her exceptional performance in “The Thicket.
The Thicket is currently in theaters and is expected to be added to Tubi soon.
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2024-09-26 00:01