The Harder They Fall

This review may contain spoilers!

 

The Harder They Fall is a western revolving around a good-natured outlaw seeking revenge for the murder of his parents by the infamous Rufus Buck. This is the film that the Western genre has been waiting for, it pays homage to some of the classic elements that have come before it while paving the way for the future of this genre. I loved seeing the contrast between the 'good' outlaws who robbed from outlaw gangs and the ruthless Rufus Buck Gang who ran the West like a tyrant. Seeing Nate Love lead his gang and struggle between his desire to settle down or get his revenge on Buck is one of the great driving conflicts of the feature. This is a film that does not shy away from sudden random acts of violence and that only adds to the tension behind a very revenge-driven plot. I was so very impressed with the cast of characters who each felt like the legendary characters you would read about in Wild West tales. This film has some of the great plot elements of any classic Western; saloon standoffs, pistol duels, heists and train robberies. But working in tandem with these classic story elements, is a fresh means of production that really sets this apart from any Western I've seen in a long time. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, any one scene or sequence is shot with variety and intensity in mind always. But the way this film shoots dialogue is bold, with wide mid-shots that feel almost like stage theatre in nature. The editing for The Harder They Fall is impressive and part of what makes this feature so very well co-ordinated, there are also some brilliant nods to classic old school 35mm film through editing techniques. The soundtrack and score for the feature is one of the best for the year; this is a unique example of music being deployed for that intensity a Western film holds while celebrating the African-American voice behind this film and bringing a taste of the now.

 

Idris Elba, who played Rufus Buck, is a truly imposing antagonist who dominates the screen; Elba exudes menace with just a glance and commands those he leads in much the same way. Zazie Beetz, who played Stagecoach Mary, has so much chemistry with Majors in their entwined and dangerous romance; yet Beetz also constructs a tough enterprising woman who takes no nonsense and fights her own battles. Regina King, who played Trudy Smith, is a stern lieutenant to the main antagonist; King is a diehard loyalist but seems haunted by a rough and bitter past. Jonathan Majors, who played Nat Love, is an excellent protagonist and leads the film with a metric ton of charisma; Majors smooth-talking manner coupled with an intense determination to fulfil his need for revenge makes Love a fascinating watch. Edi Gathegi, who played Bill Pickett, is the dry wit of the outlaws we follow; His sarcastic comments and quiet support makes for a nice performance. Delroy Lindo, who played Bass Reeves, is hard as nails in this feature; Lindo's stoic U.S. marshall is a lawman who fiercely guards his ideals for justice. Danielle Deadwyler, who played Cuffee, has a lot of fight in her geared at ayone who wears her the wrong way; Deadwyler plays a very gender-neutral character which I found really interesting. RJ Cyler, who played Jim Beckworth, is hilarious as the wise-cracking quick draw of the outlaws; Cyler really plays up the showboating his role puts on to deadly effect. Deon Cole, who played Wiley Escoe, is a real two-faced character who talks a bigger game than he can deliver; Cole plays a tragic scorned figure exceptionally well.

However, the best performance came from LaKeith Stanfield, who played Cherokee Bill. This character was very enigmatic while also being highly charismatic and proficient. When first we meet Stanfield he effortlessly breezes through an armed hostage situation, at once soothing the crowd while dealing them honeyed threats. Yet there is something grim in Cherokee Bill, a coldness towards murder and violence that reveals just how very good he is at this act. Indeed, the way Stanfield plays disdain for killing while coldly shooting opponents in the back before they can react is staggering. Bill is a figure who is never impressed by much and he moves to Buck's side like a loyal right hand, a cold yet dependable confidant. Cherokee Bill isn't the biggest role Stanfield has ever done but it is an immediate favourite of mine.

I think some people watching this feature will find the main storyline to be somewhat predictable, the way everything plays out very rarely leaves room for surprise. This is a film that colours brilliantly within the lines, but doesn't pen too many surprising elements.

The Western genre hasn't even dreamed of being this good in decades. I would give The Harder They Fall a 9/10.