Movie Review: ‘Bone Tomahawk’ features solid Kurt Russell in creative western-horror fusion

MOVIE REVIEW: “BONE TOMAHAWK” (R)

Kurt Russell starred in not one, but two noteworthy westerns in 2015, and while the colorfully crafted “The Hateful Eight” is the more publicized of the two, the genre-bending “Bone Tomahawk” is every bit as good. In fact, in some ways, this crazy, crafty, offbeat first time feature from writer/director S. Craig Zahler is even more memorable than Tarantino’s latest because it goes in a direction most viewers won’t be expecting.

In “Bone Tomahawk,” no-nonsense Sheriff Hunt (Russell) leads a team comprising hobbled Arthur (Patrick Wilson), simple-minded Chicory  (Richard Jenkins), and overly confident gunslinger Brooder (Matthew Fox) in a rescue mission following the kidnapping of Arthur’s medically trained wife, Samantha (Lili Simmons). The mission won’t be easy, however, as the good doctor hasn’t been abducted by something as simple as a band of no-good outlaws. No, Arthur’s lady fair has been kidnapped by something much worse: a tribe of cannibalistic, albino cave dwellers (aka Troglodytes). It’s a tribe so terrifying in appearance and barbaric behavior that even other native American tribes across the land know better than to cross into their territory.

Zahler’s creative, micro-budgeted western wisely allows viewers to get to know and care about these men as they set out on a “The Searchers”/“3:10 to Yuma” -inspired frontier adventure. “Bone Tomahawk” is punctuated by offbeat bursts of humor and starts out so understated and so talkie in nature that it’s quite a shock when it takes a detour into “The Hills Have Eyes” territory.

The Troglodytes prove to be a truly horrific cinematic foe. Rather than speaking, they communicate by way of an unnerving, loud-pitched shriek that would send the cave creatures in Neil Marshall’s expertly crafted “The Descent” running in the opposite direction. Making matters worse, the brutally savage members of this physically imposing tribe have no apparent capacity for reasoning, and what’s more, they have an appetite for human flesh.

As for our fearless protagonists, Zahler wants us to believe that these men of honor and integrity have the ingenuity and skill to take this tribe on and save the day, and that’s what sets this movie apart from a lot of other films in the horror genre. There’s a larger sense of hope here.

There is certainly despair on display, but this isn’t a nihilistic, kill-per-minute horror show. In fact, Zahler shows a surprising amount of restraint so that when the film’s more brutal moments transpire — and mark my words, there’s one horrific sequence in this picture in particular that I’ll never forget — they’re far more visceral than they might have been otherwise.

Credit a terrific cast for making us care and invest in what seems like an impossible plight. As expected, Kurt Russell is the very personification of “heroism” here. He’s solid throughout “Bone Tomahawk,” but he’s most effective in the final act. He also has the honor of uttering the film’s most powerful — and poignant — line of dialogue. Richard Jenkins is equally fantastic, breathing life into a sweet-natured Chicory. As an individual, Jenkins is superb, but it’s his rapport with Russell that’s most worth noting. Matthew Fox’s Brooder adds welcome contrast as he comes across as the most shifty of the bunch, but ultimately, he too has a code of honor by which he lives. Rounding out our lead foursome is an effective Wilson. His Arthur is severely injured as the movie begins, but his sheer will, determination, and undeniable love for Samantha knows no bounds. He’ll do anything for her, and Wilson conveys that love beautifully.

“Bone Tomahawk” certainly could have been tighter. The journey is a bit long, but then it could be argued that the length and overall patience of this piece is essential in the building and growth of these characters. One thing is certain: This offbeat genre-bender is definitely worth seeing, and it’s a damn shame that it didn’t get a wide theatrical release.

Zahler is a filmmaking talent to keep your eyes on. He has assembled an outstanding cast and thrown them into a fusion of genres that are quite obviously near and dear to his heart. What’s more, he did it with very little money. It all culminates in a unique movie experience that, while not necessarily for the masses, should most certainly be embraced by Kurt Russell fans. And for those of you who like your westerns filled with Troglodytes, you’re sure to fall in love with it too. As it happens, I love Kurt Russell and Troglodytes, so “Bone Tomahawk” scored bonus points with me.

“Bone Tomahawk” was just released on DVD, and you can also watch it via VOD.