HELL OR HIGH WATER (15)

HELL OR HIGH WATER (15)

Director: David Mackenzie

Run time:1.42

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gil Birmingham, Margaret Bowman

Synopsis: A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save the family’s ranch in West Texas.

URL:http://hellorhighwater.movie/#home

From Director David Mackenzie (Starred Up (2013), Hallam Foe (2007) with a superb witting and witty script from Taylor Sheridan (Sicario (2105) comes a refreshingly original, well crafted, neo-western and family crime drama.

Chris Pine (The Finest Hours (2016), Into the Woods (2014), Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) plays Toby Howard, a divorced father who teams up with his ex-convict brother, Tanner played by Ben Foster (The Finest Hours (2016), The Program (2015), 3:10 to Yuma (2007) in an increasingly desperate plan to save the family ranch in West Texas. When they execute a string of adrenaline-fuelled heists in fly-blown towns they come under the radar of seasoned Texas Ranger (Jeff Bridges) and his partner, Albert (Gil Birmingham). As the brothers prepare for a final heist with the Rangers hot in pursuit, there is a thrilling climax and clash of values.

With gripping action, a terrific acting ensemble and an outstanding central performance from Jeff Bridges (True Grit (2010), Crazy Heart (2009),The Big Lebowski (1998) the film has scintillating, razor-sharp dialogue and an atmospheric musical score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

The cinematography of Giles Nuttgens captures the desolation of a recession-hit, failing farm industry world, as much as the script makes sly comment on modern capitalism and banking.

With probably the most biting and memorable waitress scene – a great cameo from Margaret Bowman – since Five Easy Pieces (Bob Rafelson, 1970), Hell or High Water is clearly bidding to be one of this year’s best films.

Images courtesy of STUDIO CANAL 

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