Hell or High Water (2016)

Synopsis:

Hell or High Water is a neo-western crime thriller that follows two brothers, Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), who resort to robbing banks in order to save their family ranch from foreclosure. They target branches of the same bank that holds the mortgage on their property. They are pursued by two Texas Rangers, Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham), who are nearing retirement and looking for one last big case. The movie explores themes of family, poverty, and the changing face of rural America.

Review:

Hell or High Water received critical acclaim upon its release. The film was praised for its performances, particularly Jeff Bridges, who received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The script, written by Taylor Sheridan, was also lauded for its sharp dialogue and complex characters. The movie was also commended for its cinematography, which captures the desolate beauty of rural Texas.

The movie is a slow-burn, character-driven drama that builds tension gradually. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the audience to get to know the characters and their motivations. The performances are excellent across the board, with Chris Pine and Ben Foster delivering nuanced performances as the troubled brothers, and Jeff Bridges bringing his trademark gruffness to the role of the Texas Ranger.

Awards:

Hell or High Water received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Jeff Bridges), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. The movie won several other awards, including the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor (Jeff Bridges) and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.