The thicket

The Thicket is a western film that defies expectations, mixing the familiar grime of the genre with unexpected twists that make it both fresh and engaging. It's a film that, while rooted in Western traditions, manages to carve out a place of its own by introducing a dynamic mix of characters, a compelling script and a unique approach to the genre's tropes.

At the heart of The Thicket is a fascinating inversion of the usual Western dynamic, particularly in the portrayal of its villain. Juliette Lewis plays Cut Throat Bill, a character who shakes up the traditional mold of Western antagonists. Historically, women in Westerns have been relegated to roles of vulnerability, either as damsels in distress or as supporting characters in the local brothel. However, The Thicket offers a refreshing change by placing a woman as the story's central villain. Juliette Lewis, known for her intense, gritty performances, brings Cut Throat Bill to life with a ferocity that is both terrifying and fascinating. Her performance is one of the film's highlights, and she imbues the character with a cold, calculating menace rarely seen in female roles of the genre. This casting choice alone gives The Thicket a unique dimension, setting it apart from the rest of the Western genre.

The film is clearly a labor of love for Peter Dinklage, who not only plays the title character, Reginald Jones, but also serves as producer. Dinklage's passion for the project is evident in every frame. His portrayal of Reginald, a cynical, time-worn bounty hunter, is both nuanced and powerful. Dinklage has a remarkable ability to fully embody his characters, and Reginald is no exception. He brings a depth to the role that elevates the film as a whole, making Reginald not just a typical Western hero, but a complex character with layers of emotion and history. It's this combination of world-weary cynicism and buried compassion that makes Reginald such a fascinating character to follow throughout the film.

The story of The Thicket revolves around young Jack Parker, played by Levon Hawke, who desperately tries to save his sister Lula after she's kidnapped by Cut Throat Bill. Hawke's performance as Jack is sincere and earnest, and he perfectly captures the spirit of a young man plunged into a world of violence and danger. The relationship between Jack and Reginald forms the emotional core of the film, and it is through this relationship that the film explores themes of loyalty, survival and the moral complexities of justice in a lawless land.

The supporting cast also makes a valuable contribution. Esme Creed-Miles, who plays Lula, delivers a solid performance, particularly in the way her character evolves in response to the trying circumstances she faces. Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Macon Blair round out the ensemble, each contributing to the film's rich tapestry of characters. The small, tight-knit cast allows for in-depth character development, which pays off in the film's climactic scenes, where the stakes are highest.

Set at the turn of the century, The Thicket deftly blends the old world of the Wild West with the impending changes of the Industrial Revolution. This period of transition adds a layer of depth to the film, providing a unique backdrop that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. The film's production design, costumes and make-up are all first-rate, further immersing the viewer in this gritty, evolving world.

However, The Thicket is not without its faults. The film sometimes lacks pace, and some of its thematic elements are not sufficiently explored. For example, while the film alludes to the evolving role of women and the societal changes of the time, it doesn't take full advantage of these ideas, leaving certain narrative threads hanging. Similarly, the film's action scenes, while intense, could have benefited from tighter choreography and editing. These elements, while not significantly detracting from the overall experience, leave the viewer wanting more from certain aspects of the film.

Despite these minor flaws, The Thicket is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its strengths lie in its character-driven narrative, its subversive approach to the Western genre and its outstanding performances, particularly those by Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis. The film is a testament to the power of passion projects, and shows that when an actor like Dinklage invests himself fully in a project, the result is something truly special.

The Thicket is more than just a Western; it's a film that explores human nature, justice and survival in a way that is both timeless and contemporary. It's a gritty, honest and ultimately rewarding work of cinema that reaffirms the relevance of the Western genre while pushing its boundaries. If you're a fan of westerns, or simply of good stories in general, The Thicket is a must-see in a movie theater.

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

Seen on September 8, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

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