The most underrated Western of the 21st century is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This modern classic features a pre-fame Timothée Chalamet and has been praised for its emotional depth and stunning cinematography.
A Modern Western Masterpiece
Over the past 25 years, epic Westerns like The Revenant, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood, and True Grit have captivated audiences. However, one film tragically overlooked during awards season is Scott Cooper's Hostiles, released in 2017.
Plot and Cast
Written and directed by Scott Cooper, Hostiles stars Christian Bale as a US Army cavalry officer in 1892 New Mexico territory. He and his detail are ordered by the president to escort a cancer-stricken Cheyenne war chief, played by Wes Studi, and his family through the Wild West to their home in Montana. The film also features Rosamund Pike, Jesse Plemons, and early performances from Timothée Chalamet and Jonathan Majors.
Behind the Scenes
Pike revealed she barely spoke to Bale outside of shooting their scenes, stating that the Batman star “would keep a distance. Our characters in Hostiles are quite dysfunctional, but have this profound connection that we let happen without ever really talking about it.”
The script was based on a draft penned in the 1990s by the late screenwriter Donald E. Stewart. His widow discovered the manuscript while moving house and pitched it to Cooper, leading to the film's production.
Critical Reception and Availability
Despite its brutal and emotional storytelling, Hostiles was largely ignored during Oscar nominations. Nevertheless, it has gained a cult following as one of the most underrated Westerns of the 21st century. The film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, offering viewers a chance to experience this beautifully shot and powerful Western.
