Traversing the Depths of Human Greed

Read Time:3 Minute, 39 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Butcher's Crossing
–

Genre: Drama, Western
Year Released: 2022
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director(s): Gabe Polsky
Writer(s): Gabe Polsky, Liam Satre-Meloy, John Williams
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Fred Hechinger, Jeremy Bobb, Paul Raci, Xander Berkeley, Rachel Keller, Amber Rose Mason
Where To Watch: coming to select theaters October 20, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Let’s journey through the shadowy realms of BUTCHER'S CROSSING, a captivating experience where humanity and raw nature clash in moral ambiguity and savagery. Guided by the subtle yet deliberate hand of Director Gabe Polsky, we traverse a land where the specters of greed, aspiration, and moral corruption mix with the relentless beauty of the American wilderness. While filled with echoes of ancient times, our journey intertwines tales of adventure, transformation, and soulful demise, all under the looming shadow of environmental obliteration, evoking a harmonious yet heart-wrenching song of an era lost to the abyss of time.

In the expanse of 19th-century Kansas, Nicolas Cage, the relentless buffalo hunter Miller, leads us through a maze where the relentless pursuits of economic gain cast a dark shadow upon the majestic world. While compelling in his depiction of unwavering determination and moral detachment, Cage sprinkles our viewing with occasional fragments of his previous works, eliciting an uninvited sense of cinematic déjà vu amidst the rugged terrains of unbridled and pragmatic destruction.

In stark contrast, Fred Hechinger portrays Will Andrews, a beacon of naive, youthful optimism, spiraling into a haunting, shadowy abyss as the brutal realities of the wilderness and the ethical desolation of man taint his once-luminous spirit. His disintegration casts a saddened glow upon the untamed plains, narrating a tale of innocence tarnished by experiential wisdom's cruel, unforgiving hand.

The spectacle of BUTCHER'S CROSSING presents a riveting dichotomy, as the allure of untouched nature is marred by the brutal, unyielding force of humanity's insatiable greed. However, while narrating a physical journey through picturesque landscapes and horrifying displays of sheer brutality, the film hesitates to fully plunge into the turbulent waters of its protagonists’ psychological depths. Polsky teeters on the precipice of potential emotional exploration, holding back from fully immersing us within the internal storms of Miller and Will.

The film flirts with metaphysical undertones, whispers of a spiritual realm lingering beneath the tangible brutality of wilderness and moral corrosion. The environmental and spiritual desolation transforms BUTCHER’S CROSSING into an exploration beyond a mere struggle against nature, beckoning viewers into an inner exploration of humanity’s void and the echoes of ruin.

While resonating with themes of rampant greed, futile pursuits, and unrelenting exploitation, the film occasionally finds itself entwined in its narrative complexity, presenting thematic elements with an explicitness that jars the viewer from a potentially emotional experience. A more delicate, nuanced handling of the plot and character arcs, allowing the themes to simmer beneath the surface, impacted the viewer engagement more profoundly.

BUTCHER’S CROSSING stands as a visually stunning, emotionally evocative reflection upon the timeless dialogue with the relentless pursuit of progress within the haunting, savage beauty of the world, despite offering a reflection of its time's historical and environmental narratives, a subtle thirst for a deeper delve into its characters' emotional and psychological realms persists, revealing a gentle crevice amidst the otherwise formidable cinematic edifice.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of SABAN FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #SAGAFTRAStrong