Festivals - FCAD 2024 : The Thicket Premieres to Rave Reviews at Deauville

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 08 september 2024

At the 2024 Deauville American Film Festival (FCAD), the French premiere of The Thicket left audiences in awe, with thunderous applause marking the film’s reception. Directed by Elliott Lester and adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s critically acclaimed 2013 novel, this Western thriller has emerged as one of the festival’s most talked-about films. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Andrew Schulz, and the iconic James Hetfield of Metallica, the movie is a gritty, emotional exploration of survival, vengeance, and the human spirit in the unforgiving American frontier.

The Thicket has long been a passion project for Dinklage, who first became attached to the film in 2014, and after years of delays and pandemic setbacks, the movie finally came to life in early 2023. Lester’s direction brought together a powerhouse cast, creating a tense and visually striking adaptation that captures the raw intensity of Lansdale’s original work. Filmed in the frozen landscapes of Calgary, Canada, the production faced harsh weather conditions and a limited shooting schedule, but these challenges only seemed to heighten the film’s palpable sense of tension and atmosphere.

Juliette Lewis, who stepped in to replace Noomi Rapace, delivers a tour de force performance, full of grit and emotional depth. Her portrayal, alongside Esmé Creed-Miles, who continues to solidify her rising star status, was at the heart of the film’s success at Deauville. Creed-Miles, known for her role in Hanna, brought complexity to her character, balancing moments of quiet vulnerability with steely resolve in a manner that left a lasting impact on festival-goers. Together, the duo’s chemistry on screen was electric, embodying the struggle for survival in a lawless, dangerous world.

Elliott Lester, who took on the monumental task of adapting Lansdale’s intricate novel, spoke passionately at Deauville about his vision for the film, highlighting the importance of authenticity in both the performances and the harsh Western landscape. His collaboration with Peter Dinklage, a long-time supporter of the project, ensured that The Thicket retained the moral ambiguity and emotional weight of the novel while delivering visceral action sequences that keep audiences on edge.

The film’s journey from page to screen was a long one, beginning in 2014, when Dinklage first teamed up with producers Gianni Nunnari, Shannon Gaulding, and Andre Lemmers to develop the project. After pandemic delays and cast changes, the film was finally shot in 2023, and now, a decade after its initial conception, The Thicket is earning accolades on the international stage.

Tubi, which joined as a co-financier and secured the rights for the U.S. and Canada, has already seen success with the film’s September 6 release in North America, while Samuel Goldwyn Films handled the theatrical distribution. International audiences are set to experience The Thicket thanks to The Exchange, which is managing global distribution, starting with its high-profile French debut at FCAD.

As one of the festival’s standout films, The Thicket has firmly established itself as a major contender on the 2024 film circuit. With its combination of powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and a gripping narrative, the film is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Western genre when done with authenticity and heart. The overwhelming applause at Deauville solidified its status as a film that will resonate with audiences worldwide, blending brutal action with profound emotional storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.

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Synopsis:
In Texas at the beginning of the 20th century, young Jack sets out to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by a violent killer called Cut Throat Bill. Jack enlists the services of a fearsome bounty hunter named Shorty, the son of a former slave, an alcoholic to the last degree, and a prostitute. Together, they track her down to a place called The Big Thicket.

The thicket
Directed by Elliott Lester
Written by Chris Kelley
Based on The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale
Produced by Peter Dinklage, David Ginsberg, Chad Oakes, Michael Frislev, Caddy Vanasirikul, Brian O'Shea, Elliott Lester, Shannon Gaulding, Andre L III
Starring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esmé Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Macon Blair, Andrew Schulz, James Hetfield, Arliss Howard, Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe
Cinematography : Guillermo Garza
Edited by Jean-Christophe Bouzy
Music by Ray Suen
Production companies: Tubi Films, Nomadic Pictures, Estuary Films, Next Production
Distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films
Release date : September 6, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 108 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville