Hell or High Water

Crime drama films are about as plentiful in Hollywood as stars themselves. We've seen these films based on true stories, fictional, period, based in a city or a rural setting, and while they can be entertaining depending on the story, they are so plentiful, originality can and does take a back seat. With "Hell or High Water", the storyline isn't expressly original, but it is certainly like the audience is eavesdropping on people's lives since it being so painstakingly realistic.

This is a modern action crime drama set in Western Texas where the distinction between honest men and outlaws has blurred beyond recognition.
Two desperate brothers-- one a divorced father, Toby Howard (Chris Pine), the other a hard-living ex-con, Tanner (Ben Foster)-- commit a string of bank robberies in order to raise the money needed to protect their family farm from foreclosure. You see, the brothers' mother passed away about three weeks prior, so they have to appease not only the mortgage but a reverse mortgage as well. Meanwhile, an aging sheriff, Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) tracks the heists in an attempt to hunt down those responsible. As he starts digging for clues, he begins to suspect the culprits more and more, little by little.

Others to round out the cast are Gil Birmingham as Alberto Parker, Sheriff Hamilton's police partner. Marin Ireland as Debbie Howard, Toby's ex-wife, John-Paul Howard as Justin Howard, Toby's son, Heidi Sulzman as Ranger Margaret, Joe Berryman as Bank Manger, Dale Dickey as Elsie and Amber Midthunder as Vernon Teller.

This was subtly directed with finesse by David Mackenzie ("Dirty Diamonds" '94, "The Last Great Wilderness" '02, "Young Adam" '03, "Asylum" '05, "Hallam Foe" '07, "Spread" '09, "Perfect Sense" '11, "Tonight You're Mine" '11, "Starred Up" '13) plus shorts and TV. Although these actors are consummate pros, especially Bridges, still Mackenzie's staging and pacing along with his ability to get his actors to emit the subtleness of emotion was near perfection. It was brilliantly written by Taylor Sheridan ("Sicario" '15). The marvel here is how is it that a writer with only one other feature film to his credit can create a script as delineated as this one is? Sure, the premise isn't an overly original one, but the nuances and subtleties in which made these characters extremely real and authentic was pure genius. This is one of those films that one must see to experience the way the script was handled and how these amazing actors pulled it off. If you want to see more of this writer's work, "Wind River" is in post production and "Solado" is in pre-production. This is a writer to contend with.

This is definitely a film for anyone who appreciates fine directing, writing and acting. But even if you're solely looking for the entertainment factor, this will still fit the bill, because watching these actors is amazing for they make these characters come alive.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                  Rated: R                                      102mins.