Rust

Joel Souza's Rust, finally seeing release in 2025 after a tumultuous and tragic production, arrives with a weight of expectation and somber reflection. The film itself, a Western centered on an outlaw grandfather and his estranged grandson on the run, attempts to capture the rugged beauty and inherent dangers of the American frontier. Souza's direction leans into the stark landscapes and the simmering tensions between its characters, aiming for a raw and authentic portrayal of a harsh and unforgiving era. The narrative, while familiar in its Western tropes, seeks to explore themes of family, legacy, and the cyclical nature of violence against the backdrop of a dusty, unforgiving landscape.

Alec Baldwin, in the lead role, delivers a performance that is both weathered and weary, embodying the grizzled outlaw with a palpable sense of history and regret. His portrayal anchors the film, providing a focal point for the unfolding drama and the grandson's coming-of-age journey amidst perilous circumstances. The supporting cast, while perhaps overshadowed by the film's production context, contributes to the authenticity of the setting, populating the frontier with believable and often desperate individuals. The film's visual style emphasizes the natural environment, utilizing wide shots to capture the vastness and isolation of the setting, contrasted with close-ups that highlight the emotional toll on its characters.

However, it's impossible to divorce the viewing experience from the tragic on-set incident that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. This shadow inevitably hangs over the film, coloring every scene and performance with a layer of unintended poignancy. While Souza bravely returns to complete his vision, the film's artistic merits are constantly juxtaposed with the real-world tragedy that occurred during its making. This creates a complex and often uncomfortable viewing experience, where appreciation for the filmmaking is intertwined with a profound sense of loss and the ethical considerations surrounding its release.

Despite the inherent challenges, Rust as a film showcases moments of genuine cinematic merit. Souza's commitment to telling this particular story of familial bonds and survival in the Old West is evident in the film's pacing and atmosphere. There are sequences that effectively build tension and capture the brutality of the era. The performances, particularly Baldwin's, offer glimpses of the intended emotional depth. Yet, the pervasive awareness of the tragedy remains an undeniable element of the film's reception, shaping its legacy in ways that no artistic critique can fully address.

Ultimately, Rust is a film that exists in a complex space, its narrative achievements forever intertwined with the real-life tragedy that marred its production. While Joel Souza manages to deliver a Western with moments of compelling storytelling and strong performances, the film's release serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of filmmaking. It's a viewing experience that demands not only critical assessment but also a degree of somber reflection on the events that overshadowed its creation.

Not watching this movie would be denying the work/art that Halyna Hutchins created and was her final legacy. I wanted to watch and see what she did as a female cinematographer. I had a feeling she would be very good and she did not disappoint. I like westerns for the scenery and horses. Halyna did many great sky scenes that were beautiful and reminded me of the cinematography in the movie Nomadland which was the first movie to highlight natural sky scenes. The Rust script wasn't bad and I found Harlan Rust's dialogue to be quite witty---many Rust-isms that were decent. There are many movies out recently that are a lot worse---especially the constant horror movies to satiate the younger crowd. This film is not for ADD, immature young people who want to act out during Minecraft or believe in vampires. If you loved Dances With Wolves, Yellowstone--it is like a good episode that won't win any awards but is still worth viewing.

Although Rust starts off with a slower pace and a few rough edges-some scenes admittedly reveal the film's limited budget-it steadily gains momentum, evolving into a compelling story of family, redemption, and grit. What begins as a modest Western transforms into a character-driven narrative with emotional depth and moral complexity.

Alec Baldwin delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as the flawed but fascinating deuteragonist. He brings an authenticity to the role that makes his character both detestable and oddly sympathetic, a balance that few actors can pull off so effectively. The film's attention to period detail adds a strong sense of place, immersing viewers in a time when justice and loyalty often came at a high price.

While Rust may face criticism, much of it will likely miss the film's strengths like its cast and the emotionally satisfying arc it ultimately delivers. For fans of the Western genre looking for something a bit off the beaten path, Rust is absolutely worth the watch.

This one's ratings are a victim of politics. That and limited attention spans.

This is a worth watching. Great scenery, fine acting, an engaging and memorable story.

Westerns aren't for everyone. I suppose what is slow to one person is called character building to another. The pacing is fine. Each scene adds a little more and builds momentum.

I don't want to talk about the politics and bad faith reviews, so I'm not. Nor do I think the reviews repeatedly calling it "slow" are fair. It's set in a time when the pace of life was different. When traveling from one place to the next took time, and the people you met along the way might be dangerous.

I can browse through a list of movies to watch and spot plenty of what isn't for me. I almost skipped this one because I assumed it was a bunch of Baldwin nonsense. But it's just fine. Heavier atmosphere, action on the more intense side of things, characters with character.

7.9/10.

I have written an unpublished book about the accidental shooting of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza on the New Mexico set of Rust. My book is about how accidents happen, not the movie. I am not a fan of Westerns nor low budget movies but I enjoyed Rust. Joel Souza surprised me with a well written movie, a depth of characters and morality that I did not expect. Wood Helm and Lucas Rust characters were well acted and Alec Baldwin never over shadowed his co-stars in a reserved portrayal of a broken man. I hope everyone pays to see Rust. Any proceeds go to Halyna Hutchins per an end of credits video. Halyna's death was a terrible accident caused by many foreseeable and unforeseeable events. Tragic if people feel it does not honor Ms. Hutchins going to see the movie.