Some movies are beyond categorizing. They simply can’t be kept within the bounds of a single genre. It is a tricky thing to do well and I have always enjoyed it when a movie pulls it off. The bizarrely titled “Bone Tomahawk” may be this year’s biggest example of that. This unique genre-jumping concoction could best be described as an action, horror, comedy, western, thriller. To fail to emphasize any of those components would be to fail in accurately describing this wild movie.
Is 2015 the year of the subversive western? Earlier this year we had “Slow West” and “The Salvation”, two well made films that dared to do unique and different things in the western sandbox. “Bone Tomahawk” blows the sandbox to smithereens. Writer and director S. Craig Zahler (perhaps better known for his novels and heavy metal music) makes an impressive directorial debut as he juggles genre and tone to give us a film we can never quite figure out. Every time I felt I had figured out what it was, “Bone Tomahawk” would pull the rug out from under me.
While fleeing a posse, two murderous and thieving scoundrels (amusingly played by David Arquette and Sid Haig) stumble across a mysterious burial ground. Only Arquette’s character survives and he flees to the small town of Bright Hope. Unbeknownst to him, savages from a clan of hill-dwelling cannibals follow him to the town. They butcher a stable boy and kidnap three people. Among those taken is Samantha O’Dwyer (Lili Simmons) wife of Arthur O’Dwyer (Patrick Wilson).
Kurt Russell ventures back into the wild west playing Sheriff Hunt. He and his insistent and loyal deputy Chicory (played with humorous precision by Richard Jenkins) prepare a rescue. Arthur joins their venture as does John Brooder (Matthew Fox), the town’s dapper dandy with his own violent baggage. This ragtag posse of sorts begin the three day trek to find their people unaware of the horrors that may lie ahead.
Zahler’s vision for his film is fed to us in small parts. In one moment it will feel like a traditional western. In another moment it is a suspenseful thriller. Then a subtle yet hysterical bit of dry or dark humor makes it seem like something else altogether. Also the film will occasionally hit you with a scene of gruesome horror, something akin to a B-movie cult film. Fortunately all of these work within the bounds of Zahler’s vision.
The film also surprises with its patient, slow-burning storytelling. The intensity ratchets up in the final act, but prior to that there is a surprising amount of quality character development. For Zahler his characters are clearly a main focus and he smartly anchors them with a small but impressive cast. Kurt Russell is effortlessly superb and obviously comfortable with this type of role. Richard Jenkins is an absolute treat – a pleasant mix of humor and humanity. The underappreciated Patrick Wilson is very good in what is in many ways the main character. And Matthew Fox really impresses. At first he looks a bit too stiff for his character, but over time as layers are peeled back, Fox shows a noteworthy range. He is a lot of fun.
I’m not sure how big of an audience there is for a movie like “Bone Tomahawk”. In no ways does it bow to convention or crowd pleasing. It is far from formulaic. It certainly doesn’t follow any familiar blueprint. It does meander a bit in the middle which does make it a tad longer than it needs to be, but it still manages to be something absorbing and strikingly unique. Just go into it expecting the unexpected because that is exactly what you are going to get.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
Can’t wait to see this!
It is crazy and I mean that in a good way. It is potentially unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Gnarly fucking movie, man! I just loved this one! Glad you enjoyed it, too.
It was a lot of fun. I was so impressed with how it played with different genres.
I saw it last night and it was just amazing – 90 minutes of western and then 30 minutes of horror which was actually scary because we cared about these people after spending so much time with them. I thought the only weak link was the girl playing the wife but other than that it was fantastic. That one scene in the third act was some of the most disturbing stuff I’ve ever seen
I know the exact scene you’re talking about. I don’t flinch much but let me tell you I was shifting in my seat while that was going on. It is a western and a horror movie. But it is also rich with character development and some pretty good humor. Anxious to read your review.
Hadn’t heard much about this and then two reviews appear at once in my reader. I’m on it. I always enjoy a good western and Russell and Jenkins are always worth watching. Good stuff bro.
Thanks man! Definitely check it out and expect to be surprised. One thing is for sure, this movie follows no formula.
Been hearing a lot of good stuff about this one. The hybrid between horror and western sounds very promising indeed, fantastic review.
It is mad, crazy fun man! Give it a look.
I most certainly will see it when I get time.
“action, horror, comedy, western, thriller” Wow, this sounds crazy but sounds like somehow it worked!
It is nuts! But knowing your thoughts on graphic violence, it has a couple of really violent scenes. One is really, really brutal.
Hmmm, since I’m not that keen on Westerns either, I’m afraid this one will be a skip Keith.
I understand. I don’t squirm in movies, but the one particular scene I’m speaking of had me pretty uncomfortable. I bet you wouldn’t care for it at all.
Stoked for this! Just got my screener of it and will definitely watch it this coming week. Also, I will double back and read your review after. Thanks, Keith!
Have fun with it Vic. It is a very…unique movie. It will definitely surprise you in a number of ways.
I have heard great things about it. So here’s my question, should I watch the film or simply read the script? Is this a story that NEEDS to be experienced visually or can it be enjoyed upon the page?
That’s a good question. Personally I think the film deserves an audience. There are some solid performances and I did enjoy the visuals. And then there is the scene that will be carved into your memory. The written word has an amazing ability to leave visual impressions, but I don’t think it would do justice to the horror angle this movie takes.
Fair enough. I will have to give it a viewing then. I have a deep love of the western genre, so a new spin is always appreciated. As long as I’m not gonna be worried about a cannibal in my closet waiting to scalp me, I’m in.
Hmmm. No promises there. This movie definitely keep you off balance and there is a horror element that it doesn’t shy away from. 😉
Great review Keith! I absolutely loved this movie! It was different, and came together well. It balanced the western and horror so well, and I was pleased with the end result. The cast also carried this exceptionally well.
And how about ‘that scene’? You know, the one that you literally can’t get out of your mind? B-R-U-T-A-L!!!
It was pretty damn intense! And it stays for quite a while after the fact.
And as a guy…ahem…Let me just say movies don’t make me squirm. That scene MADE ME SQUIRM!!!
I have to say, I definitely agree with your review, Keith. In fact, this is one of my favorite movies of 2015. I just watched it, and it looks like a big budget movie even though it isn’t. The acting, writing and everything in between is fantastic. I will admit that for some people the sudden shift into horror during the last 25 minutes may be off-putting, but I loved the heck out of it. This is one of the best westerns I’ve seen in years. For a directorial debut, Zahler hit it out of the park with Bone Tomahawk.
Isn’t it good? I almost wish I hadn’t known it was considered a horror movie. Can you imagine watching the movie without having any idea that it was anything more than a western? Then that final act hits you! It’s definitely a movie that sticks with you and every performance hits the right note. Really glad you gave it a look.