Review of Hell or High Water (2016) by James S — 01 Jul 2017
A very well-crafted neo-western that takes a well-worn story and dresses it with slight but effective new garments. Scottish director David Mackenzie (whose previous film, Starred Up, was among 2014's best releases) makes his American debut in a very nuanced way, as Hell or High Water is by most accounts a "slow-burn".
While there's gunplay and robbery a plenty, the film has more of an impact for its quietly observed moments which acknowledge both sweeping terrain, and gentle character moments. It all builds up to a finale that's not bombastic but fully necessary, and Hell or High Water is that rare type of crime film thats ethos becomes more lucid in hindsight.
The best film of its type since No Country for Old Men.
This review of Hell or High Water (2016) was written by James S on 01 Jul 2017.
Hell or High Water has generally received very positive reviews.
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