Who says the westerns are dead now? They’re still alive. Of course, now we don’t get them all the time as we used to get back in time but they continue to evolve, and every year we get good amount of entertaining or thoughtful westerns.
2010s was a good enough decade for the genre with major filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Coen brothers putting their own spin on the genre and then there were films like “The Revenant” and “Hell or High Water” where the traditions of classic western filmmaking were very strong felt. However, the good or great westerns were not just these films with big-budgets made by the directors we all recognize but there were many other filmmakers bringing their own perspectives on the genre and their timeless themes of revenge, survival and lawlessness.
The westerns can vary, from traditional to revisionist and hopefully the list will cover many types of westerns enough, so everyone can find an underrated gem for themselves.
10. Forsaken (2015)
When the legendary Donald Sutherland passed away, his son Kiefer has described him as “Personally I think, one of the most important actors in the history of film”. Some would think it’s a bias by the son but in this case, it almost felt like he’s underselling his dad. Sutherland had an incredible range and a fascinating career, mixing big blockbusters with European arthouse cinema but somehow, he never worked with his son. They appeared in two films together but never shared a scene, this time was different. “Forsaken” is mostly for those who like traditional westerns.
It’s about a gunslinger with a volent past who decides to leave his past behind but as in most westerns, it doesn’t happen because the land is under siege by a ruthless land grabber. It all seems typical and maybe they are but what makes film work is this beautiful performance, watching the father-son dynamic between Sutherlands feel very personal and gives a film certain authenticity. Kiefer is obviously no stranger to the genre, making “Young Guns” franchise in the past and Donald brings quiet intensity to his part, as a man who of faith who struggles to forgive his son.
The wonderful cinematography and a good pacing which lets its characters to breathe elevates the film considerably as well. Demi Moore is mostly wasted but still a nice presence. Those who never get tired of classic tropes of the genre as long as they’re well-made should enjoy this one.
9. Damsel (2018)
We started off with “Forsaken” because there are many western fans or casual viewers who enjoy their westerns to be as traditional as possible. Then there are others who prefer the western setting to be anything but traditional.
“Damsel” is for those audiences, especially if they love some black humor. Initially you might mistake the movie for a traditional kind; as a tale of a lone hero embarking on a mission to rescues a damsel in distress. That hero is Robert Pattinson as Samuel, who tries to save the love of his life Penelope (Mia Wasikowska who was having a fine run at the time) but the as the film goes on, you realize that this is about something totally different and then the film start to challenge the notion of heroism and “damsel archetype” in such films in a refreshingly offbeat way. That’s where the film’s strength lies because it keeps toying with audience expectations. Those who don’t like their films to challenge them may find it frustrating but those who don’t will enjoy this one’s quirky tone and its minimalist aesthetic a lot.
Admittedly, another thing that may alienate viewers is its runtime because the narrative flow and pacing of the second act is not as good as the first and the third. So, cutting it a bit would’ve worked for it but still it’s funny sequences, surprising twists and fine performances, which includes a great brief part for the late Robert Forster makes up for it. Its unique style makes it worth-watching.
8. The Salvation (2014)
Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green previously starred in the great “Casino Royale” and they collaborated once again in a less seen but pretty cool western titled “The Salvation” which is a gritty Danish western made in the style of classic American westerns. Mikkelsen is not a huge fan of the genre, but luckily he agreed to star in it because his presence is fitting the atmosphere and the genre so well. He plays a Danish immigrant whose peaceful life is shattered when his wife and son are brutally murdered shortly after their arrival in the American West. He seeks justice and then faces off a ruthless gang led by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
Denmark is not necessarily a country you’d think of when you hear westerns but everything works so great here. The influences from Sergio Leone and Walter Hill are well-evident and the film doesn’t claim to be anything overly original. What works here so great is the atmosphere, the violence, the amazing cinematography, the bleak tone, haunting performances by Mikkelsen and Eva Green, who’s silent for the most film but still gives an impressive performance. The cinematography is so strong that if you watch the film on mute, it still would work somehow. This being a classical type of Western made with a European perspective turns this tale of revenge and justice to something fascinating. It’s brutal but also poignant.
7. The Wind (2018)
The westerns can also give you some chills. The films like “Ravenous” and “Bone Tomahawk” are cult classics these days for a reason overall. Directed by Emma Taimi who later went on to make a box office hit that is “Five Nights At Freddy’s”, this atmospheric Western sets in desolate plains of the 19th Century American West.
The film follows Isaac Macklin and his wife Lizzy who have left Missouri to settle together on a small farm, swept by incessant winds, in a desert region of New Mexico. Abandoned by her husband who is often absent for several days, Lizzy keeps herself busy as best she can. The routine of their peaceful daily life is shaken by the move of another couple, the Harpers, into a neighboring barn. They quickly become friends and Lizzy takes younger Emma Harper under her wing. She becomes attached to her because she is expecting a child, which reminds her of her stillborn little boy. But, very quickly, the latter’s distress only increases when she tirelessly claims that evil forces are trying to harm her.The question arises: is she succumbing to madness, or is there a malevolent force at work in the wilderness?
For the fans of unconventional and somewhat slow-paced horror, this is a gem. Others might find it alienating. The slow-burn pacing is so perfect for this because it builds the suspense and psychological horror aspect perfectly. The minimalist score and the cool visuals also add a lot. Certainly, one of the more haunting westerns of the recent times.
6. Dead Man’s Burden (2012)
Rather low budget effort with no stars in them, “Dead Man’s Burden” got mostly positive critical reception by the critics. At the same time, they were quick to mention that this film will probably not be seen by many and they were right. Not only for the mentioned reasons, but also because it has a rather slow pacing which wouldn’t appeal to the fans of rather commercial, fast-paced westerns. But those who love a character-driven narrative should check this film out.
Set in the post-Civil War era, the film mostly focus on the relationship between siblings Wade (Barlow Jacobs) and Martha (Clare Bowen). Wade was presumed dead in the war but suddenly he returns to his family’s homestead only to find that his sister has taken control of the land and is preparing to sell it. Then the whole film turns into a character study and a morality play. It’s not just about the plot though, the cast is doing a very strong job with the material they’ve been given and the atmosphere and emotional depth are certainly there.
Its simplistic sides only makes the narrative stronger somehow. And it’s always interesting to see how director and cinematographer uses the modest scale to their advantages on such films and indeed the visuals are beautiful, gives the movie a raw, naturalistic style. Of course, it can be off-putting for some who got used to only watch westerns that are shot on film but this is a movie worth to give a chance for. It offers a quiet, contemplative look at the cost of survival and the weight of family bonds. This is a film more thought-provoking and intelligent than you’d expect it to be.