Review of Hostiles (2017) by Lewis C — 03 Feb 2018

Hostiles is a very good western with lots of strong characters and performances. Christian Bale is effective as the lead, and the supporting cast shine in their roles. The opening scene sets the tone for the entire film, with a group of First Nations slaughtering an innocent white family.

However, the film does a good job of broadcasting that anyone can be a hostile, no matter one's background or race. There are just as many horrific moments described and committed by white outlaws, as the American natives in the world of the Wild West.

Bale's Captain Joseph J. Blocker leads a native man named Chief Yellow Hawk, played by West Studi, home after he has been imprisoned for years. Along the way, he finds the sole survivor of the slaughter from the opening scene, Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) and she accompanies him on the rest of the journey.

Rosalie is one of the standout characters of the film, as she slowly overcomes the emotional distress caused by the slaughtering of her husband and third children. Hostiles is a very gory, but not cheesy western.

There are some scenes that may be hard to watch for some audiences, but this broadcasts the gruesomeness of the nineteenth century Western United States. The pacing can be very slow at times, but this to be expected in a long journey across the American wilderness.

Overall, Hostiles is a solid western. The film gives great insight into the world of the Wild West alongside strong characters and a solid story, without being to over the top.