Hell or High Water

Directed by David Mackenzie, Hell or High Water follows brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) as they conspire to rob several banks to save their family’s West Texas farm – with the siblings’ efforts eventually threatened by a dogged police officer (Jeff Bridges’ Marcus) and his long-suffering partner (Gil Birmingham’s Alberto). It’s apparent right from the get-go that the undeniable familiarity of the storyline isn’t going to be the problem one might’ve anticipated, as Mackenzie has infused Hell or High Water with a gritty and irresistibly stylish feel that’s heightened by a roster of superb performances – with Bridges’ typically solid turn echoed by career-best work from both Pine and Foster. (This is despite dialogue that’s often impossible to comfortably discern, as the actors’ mumbling delivery is exacerbated by heavy Southern accents.) The pervasively bleak atmosphere – Mackenzie doesn’t shy away from portraying the desolate nature of the movie’s surroundings – is alleviated by unexpected moments of levity and an ongoing emphasis on gripping interludes, and it’s clear, too, that scripter Taylor Sheridan does an effective job of peppering the narrative with appreciatively idiosyncratic bursts of oddness (including a fascinating encounter with a grizzled waitress). There’s little doubt, however, that Mackenzie’s lackadaisical approach to the material results in a few lulls along the way, with, especially, the somewhat padded-out vibe ensuring that the conclusion unable to pack the punch one might’ve anticipated. It’s a fairly small complaint for a film that’s otherwise quite engrossing and thoroughly well made, with Mackenzie, despite a stumble with 2013’s Starred Up, continuing his streak of above-average endeavors that deserve a wider audience.

*** out of ****