Hell or High Water Review

     Often times independent movies go unnoticed by the general audience. Usually they do not have a big market release and you can only see them in big cities. However, this does not diminish from the quality of them. It is very much refreshing to see independent films sometimes because there is not as much studio interference which helps to really let the story run its course. One particular independent movie that has been creating a buzz lately with critics is Hell or High Water directed by David Mackenzie. I had the privilege of seeing it last week and the film really delivers. Hell or High Water is such a grounded and well told story, that it could be a real contender when award season comes around.
     The film tells the story of the Howard brothers. One is an a crazy ex-con named Tanner (Ben Foster) and a struggling divorcee named Toby (Chris Pine). When both are struggle to make ends meet, they will take up the crime of bank robbing. Hitting up almost every bank in West Texas seems ideal but when local Chief of Police, Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) is hot on their tail, they will have to up their strategy.

     What makes this film work so brilliantly is the character dynamics. Pine has always been an actor to me that really shine but audiences do not get to seem enough in non-blockbuster roles. He is phenomenal in this. One reason that his performance is so fantastic is because of his co-actor. Pine and Foster feed off each so well. There is never a dull moment with their scenes. I would not be surprised to see Ben Foster get a Supporting Actor nomination when award season rolls around. The humor in this movie is so honest and the dialogue is beautifully crafted. They are not the only incredible performances in this film though. Jeff Bridges as rough, Texas Ranger is a marvelous pick. His co-officer is played by Gil Birmingham and their relationship is so exceptional. Character dynamics and dialogue gives this movie so much value.
     Great directors are able to use the setting of their movie to their advantage. David Mackenzie does just that with this. Mackenzie uses the west Texas landscape to add suspense. Mackenzie almost makes Texas feel like its own character since it's so wonderfully constructed. The music and editing help to add suspense as well. The pacing in this movie is incredible.
     There is only a minor complaint and its a nitpick so it really does not count. There's one scene in particular that's a little predictable. However, the set up and suspense is so good that it does not take away much from the movie.
     I cannot recommend this film enough. So often people complain about how we get too many reboots and remakes yet they will not go support original ideas in theaters. So go see Hell or High Water because it is absolutely excellent.

Rating: 9.9 out of 10