Time: 132 Minutes
Age Rating: R18 – Graphic violence and sex scenes
Cast:
Kurt Russell as Sheriff Franklin Hunt
Patrick Wilson as Arthur O’Dwyer
Matthew Fox as John Brooder
Richard Jenkins as Deputy Chicory
Lili Simmons as Samantha O’Dwyer
Evan Jonigkeit as Deputy Nick
David Arquette as Purvis
Kathryn Morris as Lorna Hunt
Sid Haig as Buddy
Sean Young as Mrs. Porter
Fred Melamed as Clarence
Director: S. Craig Zahler

Following on from his more recent movies, Dragged Across Concrete and Brawl in Cell Block 99, I’m now getting to S. Craig Zahler’s debut movie, Bone Tomahawk. It didn’t disappoint.

Bone Tomahawk is a unique combination of western, murder mystery and horror genres. Much like Zahler’s other movies, it is a slow burn especially for the first half and I think it worked, especially with how it builds things up. It is focused on a lot of the interactions between the characters, and the dialogue is very well written. The characters are good, consisting of many different western archetypes all put together in the same movie. These characters help you get invested in the story and their journey. While the first half is drawn out, the second half really dials up the horror, with the last 40 minutes leaning into the more gruesome aspects. 

This movie has quite the ensemble cast, with Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox and Richard Jenkins. They deliver some great performances, Jenkins is a particular stand out, and there are great interactions between the characters. Lili Simmons is also good, but was underused compared to the others.

S. Craig Zahler did great with his debut. The cinematography is gorgeous, and the landscapes and sets work for this Western time period and setting. There’s also a good feeling of dread and suspense throughout. The practical effects shine, there are no punches pulled with the body horror and brutality, definitely a gruesome and grisly movie.

Bone Tomahawk is a brutal and slow burn horror western, greatly written, directed and acted, with a cast who work very well together. Not for everyone, but I really liked it.