Bone Tomahawk

Review:

Kurt Russell leads the way in this thrilling horror western – he plays a sheriff in the Wild West who takes a posse to help rescue local doctor Samantha when she is abducted by a tribe known as the Troglodytes. However, an ordeal is soon to follow – the Troglodytes are mutant flesh-eaters, and the sheriff’s quest ends up basking in exceptional gruesomeness and gore. The film, however, manages to balance out its darker streak by mixing in a good deal of humour too, with the deputy’s (Richard Jenkins) bizarre mutterings a good example.

Although this film undoubtedly basks in its horror influences, it is also a wonderful homage to the westerns of old – quests lead by heroes eager to do what is right because it is right – and treating the material with this type of seriousness makes it all the more effective and all the more scary. By ensuring that it remains committed to character and tone, and by choosing a small amount of leads that deliver excellent performances, Bone Tomahawk is that fair beast in modern Hollywood – a slow-burn drama that really delivers, shocking and thrilling in equal measure. This is not one to miss.

Reece Goodall