Very few movies come along each year that gets it right. ‘Hell or High Water’ is one of them. When you combine good storytelling with first-rate acting, magic happens on the big screen. This is a film for adults. It’s a neo-Western that contains elements of the Robin Hood trope. Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan who brought us the riveting crime thriller ‘Sicario’ last year, delivers another smart crime drama with a social commentary. Director David Mackenzie allows the actors to interact and breathe life in their characters through their interactions. The cat-and-mouse game between the robbers and rangers allows us to be invested into the story and characters. ‘Hell or High Water’ is the sleeper hit of the summer.
The story is about Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), two West Texas brothers that are polar opposites. Toby has led a clean life trying to do the right thing until economic circumstances encroach the family ranch. Tanner is an ex-convict with a wild streak. Following the death of their mother, they devise a plan to rob a series of banks for a specific purpose. By concentrating on smaller banks, the duo is close to pulling off the crime spree without getting caught. Toby also discovers some new information about the land that has the potential to make his kids financially secure in the future.
There is nothing new about portraying banks as evil. The film never judges but simply depicts the current unease of the American economy in small towns across the country. The story becomes really good when Texas Rangers Marcus (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto (Gil Birmingham) pursue the brothers. Marcus is on the verge of retirement and you sense that he is looking for one last thrill before hanging it up. The chemistry between the lawmen is priceless. They hurl quips at each other that might sound racist but is mainly used to tease each other. They have a mutual friendship from being partners for so long. There are definite undertones of how poorly Native Americans have been treated through out U.S. history. Bridges delivers a standout performance as a salty, good old boy. It’s reminiscent of his brilliant turn as Rooster Cogburn in ‘True Grit.’
The cinematography by Giles Nuttgens magnificently captures the desolate landscapes of West Texas. The moving soundtrack by Nick Cave accentuates the sense of time that is running out for the brothers. As the Rangers slowly close in on the desperadoes, the suspense is that their luck may eventually be running out. Throughout the film, MacKenzie paints a portrait with his camera. We see shuttered businesses, foreclosed homes and ghost towns decimated by economic hardship. Some shots linger on and others intensify the mood. MacKenzie also knows when to cut to the action which magnifies the violence. There are also bits of humor thrown in to lighten the darker tones. One in particular includes a waitress (Katie Mixon) who refuses to turn over a $200 tip from the bank robbers and a cantankerous waitress who refuses to serve anything but T-bone steak and potatoes to the Rangers.
A film like this could not work without outstanding performances. Both Pine and Foster are believable as two brothers. Pine is the level-headed one and Foster is the short-tempered one that never thinks twice before pulling the trigger. Pine is well-known for his role as Captain Kirk but this is the best performance of his career. He plays his character with introspection and self-restraint. Foster plays his character with a complex mix of recklessness and arrogance. It is like he knows that his criminality will catch up to him. The climax will surprise you. This is not a Western where gunfire determines a predictable outcome. ‘Hell or High Water’ is a gritty Western that will linger with you soon after exiting the theater.
