Frontier Crucible Review: Armie Hammer's Cautious Return in Talky Western
Armie Hammer makes a cautious return to acting in Frontier Crucible, a slow-burn western that delivers handsome leads, beautiful scenery, and violence reminiscent of 2015's Bone Tomahawk, but often plods where it should gallop. Based on Harry Whittington's novel Desert Stake-Out, this 1872 Arizona-set film gets many elements right yet struggles with pacing, making for a watchable if uneven ride.
A Cast of Handsome Dudes and Moral Complexity
The story follows Merrick Beckford, played by Myles Clohessy—son of character actor Robert Clohessy—who is entrusted by William H. Macy in a brief cameo with delivering a wagonload of medical supplies. Along the journey, Merrick encounters a father-son duo, Mule (Thomas Jane) and Billy (Ryan Masson), a sinister figure named Edmund (Armie Hammer, appearing for the first time since 2022's Death on the Nile), and a wounded husband (Eli Brown) with his defenceless wife (Mary Stickley).
Ryan Masson stands out as Billy, the obvious weak link, with poor decision-making etched into his physicality and demeanour, leaving viewers anticipating his inevitable mistakes. However, the film arguably features one too many characters, with Clohessy, Brown, Jane, and Hammer forming a quartet of handsome actors portraying varying moral shades. Despite attempts to mask their looks with grizzle and grime, each has the presence of a traditional hero, which sometimes clashes with the film's gritty tone.
Talky Scenes and Genre Expectations
Frontier Crucible is determinedly character-driven, taking time to unravel the protagonists' issues, resulting in a surfeit of talky scenes. This approach feels somewhat at odds with the western genre, where poetic strength often lies in a man of few words conveying endless meaning through a lingering glance. The film might have benefited from modelling itself on the Ranown Cycle—inexpensive, beautiful, and brisk character-driven westerns, none exceeding 80 minutes in length.
Nevertheless, the film boasts lovely visuals, with evocative shots of Monument Valley adding cinematic depth. Gorehounds may find the violence too delayed, but when it arrives, it is effectively staged, echoing the brutal impact of Bone Tomahawk, with which it shares some creative team members. This blend of aesthetic beauty and sudden brutality offers moments of genuine tension and engagement.
Final Verdict and Release Details
In summary, Frontier Crucible is a mixed bag—a visually striking western with a strong cast and moments of intense violence, yet hampered by a plodding pace and excessive dialogue. It provides a watchable experience for fans of the genre, particularly those appreciative of character studies and scenic backdrops, but may leave others longing for more action and fewer words. Frontier Crucible is available on digital platforms from 2 February.
