The Thicket (2024) - Film Review

      The Thicket, 2024.

      Directed by Elliott Lester.

      Featuring Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Levon Hawke, Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Esme Creed-Miles, Andrew Schulz, Macon Blair, Arliss Howard, James Hetfield, Ryan Robbins, Ned Dennehy, David Midthunder, Sophia Fabris, Guy Sprung, Derek Gilroy, Chris Enright, and Teach Grant.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In West Texas, after a boy's sister is abducted by a brutal killer known as Cut Throat Bill, he recruits a formidable bounty hunter named Reginald Jones to lead a group of outcasts in the search for the kidnapped girl. In a direct confrontation, Cut Throat Bill (Juliette Lewis) remarks to Reginald Jones (Peter Dinklage) that he is the shortest man she's ever encountered, to which he replies she is the ugliest woman he's ever seen. There are clear similarities between these two hardened criminals; one is a gravedigger and hired gunslinger, while the other is a career offender with a significant bounty on her head. Even before the film delves into their shared trauma, it’s evident that both characters have faced injustices from society, particularly in the context of the Wild West, due to their appearances—he is a dwarf, and she is rough, scarred, and unmistakably masculine.

      Above all, every character is seeking a sense of home or belonging, whether they acknowledge it or not. The film portrays the formation of a found family alongside the dynamics within a gang of criminals. It’s important to note that Reginald Jones does not start off as virtuous or good-hearted; quite the opposite, as he and his strong companion Eustace (Gbenga Akinnagbe), who is adept at handling guns and knives, take on any unsavoury job for money.

      Their assistance is sought by the gentle and naive Christian Jack (Levon Hawke), who wishes to rescue his sister Lula (Esme Creed-Miles) from Cut Throat Bill and her violent crew. Following their parents' tragic death from smallpox, the siblings were assaulted while traveling to a new home, which Jack tries to use as leverage in his quest. While Cut Throat Bill’s intentions for Lula remain unclear, allowing her to be harmed by her captors is not an option. Therefore, Lula’s immediate safety is somewhat assured until it’s revealed she is being taken to a place known as The Big Thicket.

      Despite the dramatic potential for character development, Chris Kelley’s screenplay, adapted from Joe R. Lansdale's novel, struggles with an overabundance of characters intended to highlight the theme of found family. This results in numerous characters who are difficult to connect with, including an unofficial bounty hunter after Reginald Jones, played by Metallica's James Hetfield. Additionally, a coerced prostitute (Leslie Grace) whom Jack feels compelled to save introduces a romantic subplot into his sister's rescue narrative, which feels less urgent than it should.

      The introduction of these elements detracts from the compelling portrayals of Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis, who deliver strong, empathetic performances as characters from similar backgrounds but differing moral standings. Dinklage takes on another intriguing role, defying conventional career categorization. He is not portrayed merely as a vulnerable dwarf; he holds his own in combat situations and demonstrates a tough demeanor, along with a desire to transform Jack into a more traditional figure, which is somewhat necessary for ensuring Lula’s safe return.

      The main drawback lies in the storytelling, which lacks intrigue, and the characters receive insufficient depth. Predictably, this leads to violence at The Big Thicket, which disappointingly fails to present itself as a distinctive or terrifying location, nor is it utilized for innovative action sequences. Nevertheless, the harsh environments are visually striking, and the period details are convincingly portrayed.

      The overly complicated plot and character excess hinder the core dynamics, suggesting they may have thrived with more development in their original book format. As an adaptation, The Thicket could have benefitted from streamlining and greater emphasis on fresh aspects.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He also serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at [email protected]