Directed by: David Mackenzie
Release date: August 26th, 2016
Rating: 10/10
Hell or High Water is fantastic. You'd expect it to be a western action film based on the premise of bank robbers in West Texas evading a Texas Ranger, but instead I'd call it more of a noir film instead. Sure, there's action, but this plays like an old fashioned noir in which these two criminals and a lawman struggle with morality and mortality.
First off, the dynamic between the two brothers is phenomenal. Chris Pine and Ben Foster are outstanding as brothers who, despite their differences, work together for the good of their family. Toby (Pine) is the smart, sensible one who is trying to give his children a better life than he had. While Tanner (Foster) is the ex-con who wants to help his little brother. The way these two are written and acted is wonderful.
Jeff Bridges gives, I think, one of his best performances ever. As a close-to-retirement Texas lawman he is determined to catch these thieves that are to be his last criminal case before he retires. HIs dialogue is some of the best in the film and as the film comes to a close we can see his dedication to the job he is about to leave.
Overall Hell or High Water is a great example of a Neo-noir film with an a amazing cast, beautiful cinematography, and a wonderfully written script. This is what I enjoy about movies and movies like this are what got me into film.