Review: ‘Hostiles’ weaves a complex story in an equally complex setting (Includes first-hand account)

The United States of America is a country born from conflict, so it’s not surprising that many of the films set in the 19th century reflect the countless struggles experienced by people gaining and losing land. In Westerns there’s frequently a backdrop of war, but also clashes with the indigenous people, which contribute to the tense, and generally violent, atmosphere. However, it’s not often that these encounters are used to tell a story in which an aggressive character evolves, gaining depth and respect as the narrative unfolds. Hostiles is one of these rarities, taking audiences through a perilous journey of racism and redemption.

Joseph Blocker (Christian Bale) is a decorated and esteemed army captain. He’s ready to put his uniform away — except before he does, his superior gives him one final task: to safely escort Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) and his family to their home. This assignment appals Blocker as he’s fought and lost many men to the local tribes, including a lasting conflict with Yellow Hawk, who’s been their prisoner for several years – and now he’s essentially been asked to protect and chaperon his enemy. But an order is an order, so he sets out with some of his most trusted men to return the dying chief and his kin to their land. There are many surprises along the way, including the discovery of a female survivor (Rosamund Pike) of a horrific attack and an enlightening reunion better left buried.

This is far from a typical Western, even though many of the players are the same. It begins rather typically with the soldiers and indigenous people on opposite sides of the fence, glaring at each other suspiciously and scornfully in spite of having a shared destination. Even when it seems there’s no other choice, Blocker tries his best to avoid a partnership with his wards as it’s an affront to everything for which he believes he stands. But there are far worse things to confront on their journey than hurt egos or compromised principles, including indiscriminately murderous Comanche, a deranged soldier and territorial cowboys.

Encountering the frontier widow rather early on in their expedition provides audiences with their first real glimpse of Blocker’s decency. Her plight is chronicled earlier in the film, so viewers are not surprised by the scene on which the soldiers come across; though her position is still tragic. A lot of screen time is devoted to her and everyone’s attempt to help her cope with the terrible events she’s endured, demonstrating the humanity of both parties in a time of need.

As their journey grows more treacherous, they’re forced to become a singular unit — and the little respect Blocker and Yellow Hawk had for each other gradually increases. In spite being a very slow drama set mostly in the undeveloped plains, the narrative captures audiences’ attention with its quiet intensity and explosive confrontations. Moreover, the casting is excellent. Bale gives one of his best performances as the conflicted captain, forced into this situation that will have an unexpectedly profound effect on him. And even though they selected a Brit for the American role, the indigenous characters are fittingly portrayed by exceptional indigenous actors, including Studi, Adam Beach, Q’orianka Kilcher and Tanaya Beatty.

Don’t miss Academy Award winner Christian Bale give his most astounding performance yet as a legendary army captain. #Hostiles now playing in New York & Los Angeles, in select cities this Friday and nationwide January 19th.
Get your tickets now: pic.twitter.com/5mv1GM0jhF

— Hostiles Movie (@HostilesMovie) January 4, 2018

Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike and Wes Studi

Similar Posts

  • Review: Ian McKellen is the most relatable ‘Mr. Holmes’ (Includes first-hand account)

    It’s difficult to imagine our heroes growing older and becoming less competent. They often seem as if they would remain ageless and infallible forever. This is only true of fictional characters, but they also provide an opportunity to address these issues through a personality with which people are already familiar and perhaps attached. It allows for a different perspective on the story and negates the necessity to build a connection because one already exists. Mr. Holmes features an aged Sherlock desperate to solve one last case.

  • Review: The only thing not veiled in ‘Deep Web’ is its agenda (Includes first-hand account)

    Much like a city has a seedy underbelly, the Internet is home to an array of back alley dealings. It serves as the perfect marketplace for secret and illegal transactions, offering anonymity and opportunity for unlimited growth. However this type of business isn’t conducted on the public or surface network; it happens on a hidden level that requires special access and is constructed specifically to provide protections to its users. It’s called the Deep Web, which is also the title of a documentary that explores this mysterious realm and the persecution of a young man who harnessed its power.

  • Review: TIFF 2019: ‘The Obituary of Tunde Johnson’ is a unique commentary (Includes first-hand account)

    While film is a prominent form of entertainment and a means to escape the troubles of everyday life, it’s also a powerful medium to comment on political and social issues. Many of the most successful message-driven movies are popular because they’ve found the right combination of compelling and meaningful. Underestimating an audience’s intelligence often causes filmmakers to hit them over the head with the picture’s significance, which usually has the opposite effect. Instead, weaving the commentary into the narrative and letting the viewer get there on their own is a far more effective approach to making a point. In The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, the message is clear, but the presentation is exceptional.

  • Review: ‘Spectre’ isn’t the retirement party this Bond deserved (Includes first-hand account)

    One of the things many people liked about Daniel Craig was that he was ushering the classic spy into a modern day world. While James Bond was always ahead of the game in terms of technology, he’d been peddling the same archaic form of masculinity for decades. The era of Craig was meant to prove that 007 is actually just a man who’s exceptionally skilled at killing people. His first three films worked towards this goal and Spectre would be the last featuring the actor; unfortunately the new age of Bond ended with Skyfall.

  • Review: Clint Eastwood delivers a great film in ‘Richard Jewell’ (Includes first-hand account)

    While the American justice system is supposed to be built on the idea that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, it often doesn’t work that way. For one, law enforcement can become so focused on a single suspect, they view all the evidence through a lens of bias. Second, many suspects are often tried by the media and public opinion before they even step foot in a courtroom. Finally, if it turns out the prime suspect is innocent, it’s often decided only after their reputation has suffered irreparable damage. For Richard Jewell, his 15 minutes of fame turns into a never-ending nightmare overnight in this true story.