Unleashing Michael Fassbender's Unforgettable Performance in a Genre-Bending Western
Slow West: A mesmerizing genre-blending Western that immerses viewers in a perilous journey through love and survival, leaving them breathless with its stunning conclusion
Westerns often face criticism in Hollywood, being dismissed as outdated and overused. However, there are numerous innovative interpretations of this era. In 2015, first-time director John Maclean presented "Slow West," a gripping portrayal of the harsh realities of 19th-century Colorado. Although the film didn't garner much attention in the United States, fans of the genre will regret overlooking it.
While coming-of-age movies don't fall neatly into a specific genre, they are recognizable when encountered. Witnessing the transformation of a protagonist throughout a narrative can be incredibly gratifying. Yet, growing up amidst lawless territories and volatile individuals can strip away everything from a young individual's development.
What is Slow West about?
In the closing days of the Old West, a Scottish adolescent named Jay Cavendish departs from his home for the first time, embarking on a quest to find his love, Rose Ross. Jay encounters trouble frequently and right from the start. Gunfights seem to erupt around him with every other step he takes. Along his journey, Jay stumbles upon a group of armed racists pursuing Native Americans. Fear grips him, but just before danger escalates, a masked gunslinger terminates the leader with a bullet to the head. Jay discovers that his savior is Silas Selleck, an Irish bounty hunter who lives as an outlaw. Instantly recognizing Silas as the most adept and violent person he has ever encountered, Jay enlists him as his guide and protector to increase his chances of survival in the unforgiving frontier.
Jay is not one to plan ahead. Although Rose holds affection for him, their connection resembles that of siblings more than lovers. Jay never bothers to inquire about the circumstances that led Rose and her father to flee to the United States. Rose's father, John, had a fatal altercation with Jay's wealthy uncle, resulting in their status as fugitives. They are now wanted, dead or alive. Unbeknownst to Jay, as he and Silas continue their journey, Silas discovers Rose's wanted poster and devises a plan to exploit Jay's relationship with her. However, Silas is not the only pursuer utilizing this tactic. Victor the Hawk, a deadly killer disguised as a priest, and Payne, the former leader of Silas' old gang, are also on the hunt for Rose and John. Oblivious to the bounty on his beloved's head, Jay and the others are thrust into a hazardous and intricate odyssey, guided by varying motivations that drive both the heroes and the villains.
The majority of Slow West is dedicated to witnessing Jay and Silas journey across the vast open plains, immersing viewers in the uncharted wildness and captivating skies reminiscent of the Old West. Although filmed in New Zealand, the movie flawlessly captures the essence of this era. Along their adventurous trek, Jay and Silas encounter a desperate couple engaging in a store heist, a menacing itinerant writer, and a gang of fast-talking brutes. While the film revolves around Jay's unreciprocated love for a woman dealing with her own troubles, its core lies in the blossoming friendship between Jay and Silas. Silas, a brooding cynic whose pessimistic perspective proves remarkably accurate, perceives a profound innocence in Jay's wide-eyed naivety—a purity that may be the last vestige of goodness in a world consumed by darkness. Slow West unabashedly explores the extremes of brutality and dark humor, leaving viewers with a perspective shaped by Silas' viewpoint.
How does Slow West end?
Similar to Jay, Slow West is remarkably pure. Despite the enjoyable journey, the film never veers off track, always heading towards its inevitable destination. Victor, Payne, and Silas make their way towards Rose's cabin. Victor is the first to arrive, masquerading as a local priest and hiding in ambush beyond their fence. He eliminates John Ross from a distance with a single shot. Just as Victor is about to kill Rose, Payne stealthily approaches him and ends his life. Silas arrives with Jay, the young boy wounded from a recent injury. Fearing that Jay will sacrifice himself to protect Rose, Silas ties him to a tree before joining the battle.
Payne's gang opens fire on the house, killing the Native American man guarding Rose. Silas sustains bullet wounds in his shoulder and knee. Jay manages to escape and heads towards the house. Mistaken for another bounty hunter, Rose shoots Jay in the chest. As Jay bleeds to death, Rose realizes her tragic mistake. Payne enters the scene but is promptly shot dead by Jay, who heroically saves Rose's life in his final act. Silas appears and discusses Jay's pure spirit with Rose. In honor of their fallen friend, Silas decides to protect Rose by moving into her cabin. They also decide to adopt a pair of orphaned children.
Slow West is an impressive addition to the rich legacy of Western films. It doesn't attempt to reinvent the genre, but rather builds upon the timeless classics that came before it. John Maclean, a first-time writer/director, exhibits undeniable talent and impeccable instincts. Fans of Westerns, Michael Fassbender, coming-of-age stories, or any combination of these elements should make it a priority to seek out Slow West. Hopefully, Maclean will soon grace the director's chair once again.
