The Thicket

It’s probably somewhat too stately. But it is an odd, mostly compelling yarn, and acted with gusto and shot with real physical commitment to the wide open spaces and raw chill of the elements.

The Thicket is an awful story, in a great way.

Juliette Lewis steals the show in a bleak, action-heavy Western that lacks the depth to match its gritty visuals.

The unlimited amount of Sturm and Drang on display will turn away those looking for a fun, engaging shoot-’em-up.

Fans of the rough, gritty end of the American western will have a ball with The Thicket.

This Western probably could have used more space to dig a little further into some of its characters, but, even as-is, it's a gorgeous, rousing movie focused on two fascinatingly damaged souls.

By trying too hard to be gritty, complex, and profound, this lackluster Western ends up bringing very little to the table.

It combines clichés with a well-crafted atmosphere and outstanding performances, especially from Juliette Lewis. Although the plot is not innovative, its execution and visual style make the film feel unique and effective. Full review in Spanish.

Elliott Lester has a familiar plot and familiar archetypes, and yet The Thicket has virtually nothing new to say. It is an exercise for its own sake, and now that Westerns have existed as long as the movies themselves, that simply is not enough.

The Thicket is a Western that, despite offering an authentic atmosphere and strong performances from Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis, fails to fully explore its narrative and thematic potential.