Slow West Movie Review

Slow West (2018)

Rent Slow West on Amazon Video
Written by: John Maclean
Directed by: John Maclean
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Caren Pistorius, Aorere Paki, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn
Rated: R
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Plot
A young Scottish man travels across America in the pursuit of the woman he loves, attracting the attention of an outlaw who serves as his guide.

Verdict
This is an indie movie that is part teen romance, though distinctly a western. It creates a distinct tone as a boy braves the chaos of the frontier on a hapless journey to reunite with a girl. It's a brutal yet touching journey punctuated by dry humor and violence.
It depends.

Review
A unique western tale, as Scotsman Jay chases after the love of his life. Jay isn't suited for the West. He's an easy mark, and yet he's doing all of this for a girl that might not feel the same way. It puts Jay's entire journey into question, but it also makes it all the more daring. He's not old enough to have a love of his life.

While we see the usual trappings of the West, the movie is intertwined with the story of a few different immigrants making their way in the frontier. Much of the movie comes down to the right place at the right time. It's the unmentioned rule by which Jay lives.

Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Jay.

While Jay enlists the help of outlaw Silas to guide him, Jay doesn't realize Silas is a bounty hunter using Jay for his own means. There journey is at times chaotic, but that only underscores how far Jay is willing to go. It's a hapless journey punctuated by dry humor.
This has a slower pace, but it creates a mood. Everyone wants to find Jay's girl, each with different intentions. All of this culminates in a shoot out at the end that is the most memorable scene of the movie for how frenetic it is. The ending is tragic for a number of different reasons.

Ben Mendelsohn plays a gang leader.

The end highlights the body count in a distinct way, showing a quick shot of each person killed throughout the movie. It's an odd inclusion that fits this movie.