Old Henry

Old Henry is a gripping 2021 feature film that masterfully combines elements of western and thriller genres in unravelling tale of justice, survival and redemption. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli and produced by Shannon Houchins, the film stars an impressive ensemble consisting of Tim Blake Nelson, Scott Haze, and Gavin Lewis.

Acclaimed actor Tim Blake Nelson, known for his portrayals in films like 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', 'The Ballad of Buster Scruggs', and 'Watchmen', once again mesmerises viewers with his riveting performance as the titular character, Henry. Around him, a whirlwind of suspenseful events unfurls, bringing to life the raw and pulsating landscape of the American frontier era.

Nestled in the rural wilds of Oklahoma, Old Henry revolves around a hard-living, beleaguered farmer named Henry who lives by his own code on his isolated farmstead. Struggling with the grief of his wife's passing, Henry prioritises raising his son Wyatt, played by Gavin Lewis, with a combination of stoicism, discipline and harsh detachment.

Life for this father-son duo is pronounced by their economic hardships and the relentless grind of farm life - until their routine tranquility is shattered by the discovery of an injured man lying insensate on their land. The stranger, who goes by the name of Curry (Scott Haze), is clutching a satchel full of cash and is tracked by ruthless outlaws across the vast wilderness.

The film then takes a suspenseful turn as Henry decides to protect Curry, unknowingly enmeshing his family into a dangerous gauntlet of deception and violence. Hidden pasts start to resurface, and character complexities unravel as Henry is forced to tap into his dormant fighting spirit. As he goes to great lengths for his son's safety and self-preservation, the audience is left questioning: is Henry just a simple farmer, or is he something more?

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of breath-taking, panoramic visuals of the rural landscape, punctuated by tension-filled horseback chases and adrenaline pumping gunfights - indicative of traditional Western cinema. Bold, atmospheric cinematography by John Matysiak amplifies these gritty settings, capturing the beauty, isolation, and harsh realities of frontier life with artistic elegance.

Woven through this are the resonating performances of the cast. Nelson delivers a convincingly layered portrayal, capturing both Henry’s wary demeanor and gritty resolve with equal measure. Scott Haze offers a studiously understated performance, sparking intrigue and sympathy for his mysterious character. Young actor Gavin Lewis elicits a compelling performance that holds its own against his more experienced co-stars.

Old Henry is a riveting character study on personal duty, moral complexities, and the lengths one is willing to take to protect their own. Potsy Ponciroli's bold directional style, combined with an intelligent script, compelling performances, and stunning visuals, make this film an intense and immersive watch that draws the audience into the wild and dangerous world of the frontier. Even at its most brutal, the film sustains it's a heartfelt exploration of a father’s love, making it stand out among its genre counterparts.

Boasting a gripping plot, robust cast performances, pristine production values, and an ambient score by Jordan Lehning - Old Henry brings new energy to the Western genre, creating a riveting journey for the audience that is equal parts moving and menacing. It is a must-watch for fans of gritty, character-driven dramas, and for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of Western films. Prepare to be enthralled by this powerfully resounding and visually captivating 2021 film.