Mohawk

Mohawk is an intense and gripping action-horror film, directed by Ted Geoghegan and released in 2017. The movie features a strong and diverse cast that includes Kaniehtiio Horn, Ezra Buzzington, and Eamon Farren who deliver admirable performances.

The film is set in 1814, amid the backdrop of the War of 1812, a largely overlooked conflict between America and the British Empire. It's an evocative, historical period piece that confronts the severe consequences of cultural prejudice and warfare head-on.

At the forefront is Oak (Kaniehtiio Horn), a young Mohawk woman of exceptional strength and bravery. Notably, Horn, who is of Mohawk origin herself, brings authenticity and depth to her role. Her resilience and fearlessness strongly reflects in her character.

Oak is part of a love triangle with two men: Calvin (Justin Rain), a Mohawk brave, and Joshua (Eamon Farren), a British soldier. Conflict escalates, as she and her lovers confront a contingent of American soldiers who are hell-bent on dislodging them from their homeland.

One can't help but admire Geoghegan's exploration of the intricacies of the cultural divide and the impacts of war on the native population. He doesn’t shy away from confronting the harsh truths and brutalities faced by the Native Americans, bleeding authenticity through every frame.

The film boasts of stylistically chilling cinematography that exhibits the bleak and dangerous uncertainties of foraying deep into that disputed territory. The rugged, yet pristine, wilderness of the forest only serves to enhance the pervasive sense of unease that the film seeks to instill.

Evocative of its time, Mohawk plays out like a nightmarish, survivalist fable. Where the horror genre is often dominated by fictional creatures and the supernatural, the film here employs a different kind of fear – the horrors of war, xenophobia, and dehumanization.

The distinct roles of the movie are played with raw and resolute conviction. Ezra Buzzington as Hezekiah Holt, the antagonistic American Colonel, delivers a convincingly eerie and intimidating performance. He uses his character to chilling effect, embodying the relentless, destructive force that the settlers represented to the Native American tribes.

Eamon Farren, playing the role of Joshua Pinsmail, exudes a quiet, resistant bravery as he fights for both his sanity and survival. His relationship with Oak and Calvin is central to the movie, highlighting the cross-cultural bonds that can form in the face of shared struggle.

The narrative unfolds with tension and suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. There's plenty of action throughout the film, combined with gritty thrills that blend seamlessly with the elements of horror. Geoghegan makes full use of the vast, desolate landscapes to create a palpable sense of dread and foreboding.

More than just an adrenaline-fueled historical-thriller, Mohawk is thought-provoking. It has the ability to spark substantive conversations about an often-overlooked part of history, given its exploration of cultural and racial clashes.

Additionally, the film's background score deserves a mention as it permeates the scenes with an unnerving and suspenseful aura. The dissonant, oppressive soundtrack by Wojciech Golczewski perfectly complements the tense, dark storyline.

The movie's production quality and the authenticity with which it captures the era, contribute to its overall appeal. The cast's costumes are strikingly real, placing us right into that historical period.

In summary, Mohawk is a film that strikes a perfect balance between being a thrilling action-horror flick and an insightful examination of the consequences of war and cultural prejudice. It's visually stirring, emotionally powerful, and is shining proof of Ted Geoghegan's directorial prowess. Its strong, compelling narrative and brilliant performances by Kaniehtiio Horn, Ezra Buzzington, and Eamon Farren make it worth your time.