Two movie genres that always receive my love are horror films and westerns. Yet, for some reason, it's a rare occasion to find successful movies that combine both categories. When I find one that blends both sensibilities well, I tend to shout it from the rooftops. That's what I'm about to do.
A decade ago, one of the best horror westerns I've ever seen made its debut. Ten years later, it's still up there on my list of favorite movies -- not just because it's unsettling and gory, but because of its strong script and epic cast.
The movie I am talking about is a smart, slow-burning cowboy drama that's propelled by its talented cast and a shocking third act. I'm talking about Bone Tomahawk. And good news, it's available to stream free on Tubi right now.
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Bone Tomahawk follows four men as they venture into the desert to rescue some townspeople who were kidnapped after a surprise attack. This is no ordinary rescue mission, though. It's revealed early on in the film that a group of savage, cave-dwelling (and potentially supernatural) cannibals is the guilty party. Defeating them will be no easy feat.
To that point, the eventual confrontation between the men and these attackers is one of the most grizzly, violent displays I've ever seen in a western.
Read more: Tubi Reminds Us That You Need a Body Bag to Do Horror the Right Way
Kurt Russell plays Sheriff Hunt alongside Richard Jenkins, who plays Deputy Chicory, in the horror-western movie, Bone Tomahawk. RLJ Entertainment
The first and probably biggest draw here is the movie's stellar cast. Kurt Russell leads the charge as Sheriff Franklin Hunt, alongside Patrick Wilson as Arthur O'Dwyer, Richard Jenkins (the Oscar-nominated actor for The Shape of Water) as Deputy Chicory and Lost alum Matthew Fox as John Brooder. Supporting players include Lili Simmons, Zahn McLarnon, David Arquette, horror icon Sid Haig, Fred Malamed, Michael Paré and Sean Young.
Tombstone is hands down one of my favorite westerns, and seeing Russell get back on the horse, so to speak, to lead another western (The Hateful Eight, which he also stars in, hit theaters the same year) is reason in and of itself to watch this movie. As wonderful as he is in the role of Sheriff Hunt, the movie gives enough scenery to chew for Wilson, Jenkins, and Fox -- each actor delivers nuanced performances that keep things grounded, even as the stakes are steadily raised.
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