Saddle up and get ready for a ride. The Thicket, a gritty, and gripping Western needs to be on your watch list. The film is produced by Tubi Films, but don’t let the fact this produced by a streaming provider give any misconceptions as to the caliber of the film. While it is a smaller-budget film, this certainly is not a “straight to streaming” effort. This film proves you don’t need a big studio budget to make a great Western. Adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s 2013 novel, this fresh take on the Western genre offers a captivating blend of darkness and strong characters that will linger long after the credits roll. Keep reading to get my full thoughts on The Thicket and be on the lookout when the film hits theaters on September 6th.

ABOUT THE THICKET

When fierce bounty hunter Reginald Jones (Dinklage) is recruited by a desperate man to track down a ruthless killer known only as Cutthroat Bill (Lewis), he rallies a band of unlikely heroes including a grave-digging ex-slave and a street-smart woman-for-hire. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to track down Cutthroat Bill that leads them into the deadly “no-man’s-land” known as…The Thicket.

While The Thicket echoes a familiar plot—a group’s quest to capture a killer—its narrative unfolds with refreshing originality. Not a single moment of the 1 hour and 40-minute runtime felt dull; I was thoroughly engaged throughout the entire film. Each character captured my interest, making me genuinely interested in their fates. Though the ensemble of a bounty hunter, an ex-slave, a saloon girl, and a naive boy might seem like a well-trodden Western trope, The Thicket weaves an unexpected and well-crafted story around them.

DINKALGE & LEWIS SHINE IN THE THICKET

The film has been a passion for Peter Dinklage and it shines through, having been involved for years as both star and producer. His dedication to seeing this project realized translates to one of his best performances. Dinklage’s portrayal of Reginald Jones is a showcase of commitment. Every moment feels deliberate, revealing the character’s depth and complexity. He effortlessly embodies both Jones’s ferocity and underlying vulnerability, creating a multi-layered performance that is a joy to watch. Dinklage’s performance ensures that by the film’s end, Reginald Jones is a fully-formed character we’ve come to care about.

The Thicket
The Thicket

Juliette Lewis is equally fantastic as the primary antagonist, Cutthroat Bill. Her portrayal subverts the typical Western villain, offering a refreshing and unsettling presence. Lewis masterfully keeps the audience on edge, never allowing them to predict her next move. This unpredictability creates a constant tension that is a testament to Lewis’s work. While their on-screen interaction is unfortunately limited, the scene shared by Dinklage and Lewis is electric. Their palpable tension leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat, craving more.

The remaining primary cast members, including Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Leslie Grace, and Gbenga Akinnagbe, deliver equally compelling performances in their respective roles. The film’s use of a small ensemble allows each character the breathing room to develop and also connect with the audience. By the time the climactic shootout unfolds, viewers are deeply invested in the fate of every individual on screen. Special mention must be made of Andrew Schulz’s brief but unforgettable appearance midway through the film. I won’t say too much about it, as to let you experience it first-hand, but his performance is a treat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Thicket defies expectations, offering a refreshing and unique take on the Western genre. While it has familiar elements like a revenge mission, a kidnapped innocent, and a manhunt across the wilderness, the film avoids predictable plot points. It keeps viewers engaged and guessing at every turn. Its darkness and grittiness, accentuated by Director Elliott Lester’s stunning wide shots of the unforgiving, snow-covered landscapes, create a sense of struggle that resonates with the viewer.

The Thicket is a must-see for fans of Westerns, thrillers, and anyone who loves a good story. Peter Dinklage has never been better. Like the blood staining the fallen snow in the film’s final moments, The Thicket is a movie that will leave a lasting impression.

THE THICKET TRAILER

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Sound off and tell us what you think. Will you be checking out The Thicket? Also, if you are a fan of Westerns, what is your favorite new Western of the last few years?

You can share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below or finding me online @TheIndianaSlone. And be sure to stay up to date on your Entertainment and Pop Culture News by following us at ThatHashtagShow.com.

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