Chris Pine and Ben Foster play a pair of brothers, one a divorced father and one an ex-con, who devise a plan to rob multiple branches of the same bank in order to prevent the foreclosure of their deceased mother's ranch. Their methods are haphazard, as Foster's character, Tanner, is reckless and gritty, while Pine's Toby is far more levelheaded, as bank robbers go. Both actors play their parts well, and I must say that Pine in particular shows some of the finest dramatic acting of his career to date. His portrayal of a conflicted, broken down Texas father is brooding and genuine. He allows for a character with depth to drive one side of the plot. In the future, it would benefit Pine, who usually opts for big-budget action and adventure roles, to seek more thoughtful roles like this one, as "Hell or High Water" shows real dramatic prowess.
As the brothers continue their string of thieveries, Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton is called upon to track them down. Jeff Bridges was precisely the man for this role. Bridges thrives as a somewhat stereotypical, aging cowboy. He delivers dry, often degrading sarcasm to his Native American partner, while maintaining loyalty and calculated dedication to the lawful duties. At this point, moviegoers are well aware of the fact that Bridges brings experience and expertise to every role, and "Hell or High Water" does not deviate from that trend.
In western fashion, the film runs as essentially two separate, intertwined storylines. The outlaws are consistently one step ahead of the law. Taylor Sheridan's script includes occasional humor and complicated yet heartfelt relationships between characters. While they are rarely on screen together, and Bridges has been labeled in the award circuit as a supporting actor, I see Pine and Bridges as the co-leads in this film. Their characters of Toby and Hamilton are the two who the audience see experience deeper emotions and moments of reflection. While much of the story is occupied by tense heist sequences and the Ranger's aggressive investigation, the final sequences are brilliant. Tanner and Toby go their separate ways, and a classic western shootout ensues as we see Bridges' character begin to take his own assertive measures. The last scene in the film sees the first shared moment between Pine and Bridges, and the result is an engrossing concluding exchange. Hamilton drives home the point that, no matter the payoff, the seemingly well-intentioned Toby will never fully outrun his past. The writer properly reveals Marcus Hamilton to be a far more introspective and virtuous character than the audience may have expected."Hell or High Water" forces viewers to question what exactly is "going too far" in order to achieve upstanding goals, like providing for one's family. Each of the three principal characters provides perspective on the others. In comparison to his unhinged brother, Toby comes across as honest and good mannered. However, the final scene of the film presents a new standpoint, revealing Toby as pathetic and haunted, compared to the honorable Hamilton.
On the surface, this film is a high-powered, exciting tale of cowboys and crime, but its writing and performances are remarkably artful. I am hopeful that in upcoming award presentations, "Hell or High Water" is rewarded for its screenplay. The pensive style of the story (possibly combined with the presence of Jeff Bridges) reminds me of something one might see from the Coen brothers, which in itself is a statement of praise. As so many films today are concerned with action, special effects, and spectacle, it is refreshing to see a film with a budget barely over ten million dollars deliver like this one does. As modern westerns continue to be a fashionable fixture in Hollywood, "Hell or High Water" stands out as one of the best.
RATING: 8.2/10
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