Bone Tomahawk is an American western horror film from RLJ Entertainment and filmmaker, S. Craig Zahler. The film stars Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, Evan Jonigkeit, David Arquette and Sid Haig. the film made its debut at the Fantastic Festival on September 25th, 2015. I am watching the HD stream on Google Play.

Synopsis

After an outlaw unknowingly leads a band of cannibalistic Troglodytes into the peaceful western town of Bright Hope, the monsters kidnap several settlers, including the wife of a local rancher. Despite his injured leg, the rancher joins a small rescue party with the sheriff, his aging deputy, and a strong-willed gunslinger. What follows is a journey into hell on earth as the posse comes to realize it is up against a foe whose savagery knows no bounds. The film takes place at the turn of the century around the border of what is now Texas and New Mexico.

Analysis

The opening scene with Sid Haig and David Arquette was super intense and great. Kurt Russell is always a great choice for a grizzled law-man. I always enjoy seeing him in films. Patrick Wilson is an equally talented actor. His characters in these films are always a welcome sight. It was also a pleasant surprise to see Matthew Fox popping up here. He doesn’t do much lately and it’s nice to see him acting again. But Richard Jenkins as the deputy, Chicory, makes this movie. I love his character.

This flick is so well made that it gets to be that you connect with the characters in a way that makes them all feel familiar. So it adds a lot of anxiety when you know they’re heading into unparalleled doom. This is one of the only horror movies that made me well up and cry. The scene when John Brooder has to kill his horse, Saucy, is so sad. I haven’t felt like this when watching a movie before. The director added so much emotion.

The film ramps up fairly quickly and provides a suspenseful, original storyline that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. There is a fair amount of drama, and it’s delivered well. And the subtle comedy is well written and executed.

Director S. Craig Zahler had gotten inspiration from H. Rider Haggard`s “Lost Race” Tales and The Virginian. So fans of old western flicks should appreciate this one. Fans of horror will love that this movie is soaked in blood and visceral gore.

Overall

Bone Tomahawk was a fantastic picture. Beautifully shot and thoroughly engaging. This is S. Craig Zahler's first film and it's a wonderful piece of work. It’s not for the faint of heart. This movie goes places that might make the casual viewer uncomfortable. Tremendous acting and story. This is a highly recommended film from me.