The Thicket

The story and plot was easy to become invested in. It has gritty, interesting, and engaging characters. The story is compelling, violent, raw, and unpredictable. The outlaws were very bad, and the good guys felt like real people. There were many very tense and exciting scenes. The scenery and settings were authentic to a turn of the century rustic western era. The character acting was flawless throughout. I also quite enjoyed the music track. Overall, this movie was well written, well made, well acted, engaging, interesting and worthwhile. I can easily recommend it, but, it's not suitable for children.

A lot of what the characters do makes very little sense. For example the protagonist seemingly has one central goal but then stops to do a good deed that almost destroys everything. A good deed that also has a giant Afro in frontier times? Juliette Lewis' huge lips are also very distracting. Decent story and shot beautifully but things like these pulled me out of the movie.

Peter Dinklage kills it as he does 100% of the time. Great to see him in this unique role and hope he gets more like it in the future.

This paragraph is just to make my review long enough for the new six hundred character requirement instituted because Amazon's $1Billion snow ranked and got bombed on this site. Hopefully they change it back because this is a waste of my and everyone else's time for quite literally absolutely no reason. Boom six hundred characters.

The Thicket (2024) is a gritty Western thriller that has its moments but ultimately falls short of its potential. Based on Joe R. Lansdale's novel, the film sets up an intriguing premise: a young man seeking to rescue his kidnapped sister, teaming up with a bounty hunter and a quirky group of outcasts. The cast, led by Peter Dinklage, gives solid performances, especially Dinklage, who brings a grizzled charm and intensity to his role. Juliette Lewis also shines in her eccentric supporting part (on par with the performance of Dinklage, or even better).

Visually, the film captures the rough, unforgiving world of the frontier, with a stark and at times beautiful atmosphere. There's a tangible sense of danger and lawlessness, enhanced by a strong score that keeps the tension simmering.

However, despite these positives, The Thicket feels uneven. The pacing drags in places, with long stretches where not much happens. Some of the supporting characters, while entertaining, don't get enough depth to feel fully realized. I found the meeting with some characters rushed too. The plot, which starts strong, becomes somewhat predictable, relying on familiar Western tropes without offering much new to the genre.

Overall, The Thicket has moments of grit and character, but its inconsistent pacing and lack of fresh storytelling prevent it from being more than an average watch. It's worth seeing if you're a fan of the genre or the actors involved, but it doesn't quite leave a lasting impact.

In bright but dark western "The Thicket" Levon Hawke's sis Esme Creed-Miles is taken by notorious crim Juliette Lewis (so good again) & her gang - so Hawke teams with Peter Dinklage (also great), Gbenga Akinnagbe & Leslie Grace to hunt them down across bleak snowy terrain... while they themselves are hunted by James Hetfield (yes, him) & Macon Blair. Characters, dialogue and the relatively simple plot are all well written by first-timer Chris Kelley (based on Jon R Lansdale's novel) and it's superbly directed in his trademark ethereal yet gritty style by the classy Elliott Lester (who's growing a solid reputation). Terrific fare, especially for western genre fans.

Even though the film features moments of brutal and sadistic violence there is something very charming and fascinating about the film.

Firstly, there is Peter Dinklage's character. Hard boiled mysterious stoic warrior.

Secondly, Juliette Lewis, as outlaw Cutthroat Bill. Lewis can play deranged well, but here she is at another level. Very complex mysterious wreck of a psycho.

Thirdly, there is a young cowboy that reminds me of Keith Carradine's character in "McCabe and Mrs. Miller." Tragically enthusiastic and naïve.

Fourthly, the general production. The sombre tone, winter landscape and striking cinematography.

Fifth, it's always nice to see a little standout character and set piece, somewhat related to the main plot. There was that too with the pimp in a brief bordello scene.

Sixth, the final understated denouement.

Interesting gritty sadness inducing viewing.