In the cinematic landscape of 2024, Frontier Crucible emerges as a slow-burn western that attempts to blend character depth with traditional genre elements, albeit with a pace that some may find leisurely. Directed by an unnamed filmmaker and based on Harry Whittington's novel Desert Stake-Out, this film marks Armie Hammer's cautious return to acting since his appearance in 2022's Death on the Nile, set against the backdrop of 1872 Arizona.
A Plot Laden with Potential and Pitfalls
The story centres on Merrick Beckford, portrayed by Myles Clohessy, who is tasked with transporting a wagonload of medical supplies after a brief encounter with William H. Macy in a single-scene cameo. Along his journey, Merrick crosses paths with a diverse cast, including a father-son duo played by Thomas Jane and Ryan Masson, the morally ambiguous Edmund portrayed by Armie Hammer, and a wounded couple embodied by Eli Brown and Mary Stickley. Ryan Masson, as the character Billy, delivers a standout performance, effectively conveying poor decision-making through his physicality and demeanour, making him a compelling weak link in the narrative.
Character-Driven Dynamics and Visual Appeal
Featuring a quartet of handsome actors—Clohessy, Brown, Jane, and Hammer—the film explores varying shades of morality, though attempts to mask their looks under layers of grime only partially succeed. The emphasis on character development leads to an abundance of talky scenes, which, while intended to unravel personal issues, sometimes clash with the western genre's traditional reliance on minimal dialogue to convey profound meaning. This approach results in a film that, at times, feels overly verbose and slow-moving, potentially testing the patience of viewers accustomed to more brisk storytelling.
Visually, Frontier Crucible excels with stunning shots of Monument Valley, capturing the essence of the American West in a way that is both evocative and picturesque. The film's violence, reminiscent of the 2015 hit Bone Tomahawk—with which it shares some creative team members—is effectively staged, though gore enthusiasts might find the wait for these moments too prolonged. The cinematography adds a layer of beauty that contrasts with the narrative's plodding elements, making it a visually watchable experience despite its pacing issues.
Comparisons and Final Verdict
Drawing parallels to the Ranown Cycle of inexpensive yet brisk character-driven westerns, Frontier Crucible could have benefited from a tighter runtime, as its current length contributes to a sense of drag. However, for fans of the genre, it offers a mix of handsome leads, beautiful scenery, and moments of intense violence that recall earlier successes. The film is set for release on digital platforms from 2 February, providing an opportunity for audiences to judge its merits firsthand.
In summary, while Frontier Crucible may not gallop at the speed some might prefer, its strengths in performance and visuals make it a worthwhile, if occasionally tedious, addition to the western canon. Viewers seeking a character-rich tale with a scenic backdrop will find elements to appreciate, even as they navigate its talkative and slow-burning nature.
