Brimstone
Brimstone
From the moment the new Reverend climbs the pulpit, Liz knows that she and her family are in great danger.
Matthias_812 reviewedApril 2, 2025
Void of any happiness, Brimstone is a brutal descent into dark corners of human cruelty under the guise of religion. This grim western is a tale of vengeance, oppression, and resilience in the face of relentless evil.
Dakota Fanning conveys oceans of pain and determination without saying (mostly) a word. Opposite her, Guy Pearce is unhinged, embodying a sadistic force of judgment and malevolence. One of the bleakest characters in film. Sadly there are religious extremists like this out there whether they act on it or not.
The nonlinear narrative slowly unravels with Brimstone wallowing in its depressive state. Capturing the harsh landscapes and unforgiving nature of frontier life to only enhance the upsetting tone. The violence is gruesome but it never gets gratuitous- instead, it amplifies the themes of patriarchal brutality and survival against impossible odds. Not your average western though an impressive one.