Review of Hostiles (2017) by Bo K — 23 Oct 2018

Hostiles unfolds with a wide shot of the West but it is a look of a harsh land. The people living in this land are hardened by the circumstances around them. We are soon introduced to Rosamund Pike in a devastating scene of tragedy. You can see the anguish of a hard life and the struggle to survive in the sadness of her eyes. Quickly, it is apparent this is a deconstruction of the myth of the American West and not another glorified vision of that past.

This movie is timely in its message of racism. Christian Bale inhabits a role of an Army captain who has become racist in a reaction to what he has seen. He is tasked with escorting a dying Indian chief to the Valley of the Bears in Montana. Reluctantly, he agrees to this job given what he has experienced and seen in the aftermath of this Indian chief.

This role was developed for him as a way to showcase how he can transform what would be a typical character into something meaningful. There are times where you believe the character will be a typical racist but there is a heart buried deep within this troubled man. His hard nature and views of the Native Americans makes this picture a difficult watch. We are reminded racism has existed for a long time. But Bale's character demonstrates racism does not have to follow a person their whole life and there is a chance for people to change. The transformation is believable and also a necessary result of survival. To survive, sometimes we need to change what we value and adapt to the situation.

I enjoyed this depiction of racism because it was grounded in subtle performances. Oftentimes, racism is presented over the top and blatant but it can also be in subtle looks or privileges afforded to others. Bale is hesitant to grant an Indian chief the most basic of rights as they start on their journey but he soon learns the value of working with this Indian chief. We understand how the characters feel about each other and it does not have to be so plain as some films without subtlety.

Pike is less forgiving of the people she encounters and for good reason. She has the ability to tell a story with just her eyes. You can read the horrors across her face and there is a pivotal scene where she is forced to let go of her past. A valuable lesson for all when she has the best reasons to hold onto the past even when the past can lead down a self-destructive past. The scene is heartbreaking for anyone who has been a parent but demonstrates the need to find the strength to move on. Bale has to let go of the past so he can do his job and follow through with an order which was directed.

Scott Cooper does not shy away from violence and violence is more of a tool to show how people desperate to survive need to behave. There is also a purpose to the violence letting us know how it can destroy someone and everything they care about. This ragtag group of misfits have to lean on each other to survive the harsh environment and the criminals inhabiting this land. Bale exhibits the unforgiving nature of violence when he describes how it changes a man when you kill someone.

Criminally underused Wes Studi provides the best moments with Bale. You actually feel the kinship growing while Bale struggles to let go of his racist views. Your heart breaks for the Indian chief and his people but also makes no excuses for what he did in the past. Bale can identify with the chief for he has been reduced to violence due to necessity.

Hostiles is a challenging look at the West and presents a simple plot which becomes more complicated through circumstances. A redemption story of different characters rises from this depressing look at life of a different time. We are asked to stay with these characters and allow them to grow into better people. Some of them do not change but that is the reality of life. There are people who just do not want to change despite the pressures where change would be beneficial. The strength of the performances of Bale, Pike, Studi, and talented supporting cast presents this uncompromising look. Memorable long shots bring you to watch and the characters make you want to stay with the slow burn. One of the best Westerns in recent memory and a strong example of allowing actors to touch on difficult themes.