Review of The Homesman (2014) by Wes I — 07 Feb 2015

The ending is, as others have pointed out, ambiguous. The stunt-casting of James Spader as a stately-but-empty Hotel owner felt a bit out of place (as did his Irish accent.) The denouement, where the trio of unfortunate women are finally brought to their destination, was quite anticlimactic despite the appearance of Ms. Streep in a smiling-but-aloof cameo.

In saying that, this was a thoughtful and pain-staking "Western" from it's Director, who no doubt labored in getting the look, feel, and sounds of things just so. Jarring at times, all too cold and raw and emotional.

Much like "Meek's Cutoff" or "Appaloosa," this is a Western one can taste the dust in, feel the tension in the very appearance of a stranger on those lonesome prairies. One doesn't need to go back in time to understand life in those times was fraught with peril, and illness, and whispers behind one's back. Films such as this ensconce that harsh reality vividly in one's imagination.

In my opinion, this is a film one will ponder upon as soon as it's finished, and consider watching again in the near future to view with fresh perspective. The well-travelled acting of the two leads alone should warrant such a viewing.