The Harder They Fall

The Harder They Fall, a 2021 release from Netflix, serves a new Western dish full of vengeance, signature style, and undeniable flair. The film is not just another addition to the Western genre; rather, it's a celebration of Black culture and presence in the Old West, crafted by director Jeymes Samuel (aka the musician The Bullitts). One doesn't typically associate diversity and representation with the Western genre, but this film makes a point to highlight the Black cowboys, outlaws, and settlers who were often overlooked in historical narratives.

Our protagonist is Nathaniel “Nat” Love, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, a dynamic talented actor known for his work in Lovecraft Country and Da 5 Bloods among others. In the film, Love is an outlaw with good intentions, a gunslinger filled with a thirst for vengeance, following a brutal loss in his youth. His nemesis? The notorious gang leader, Rufus Buck (played by charismatic Idris Elba), a man as menacing as he is magnetic. Their past and present tie together, setting the stage for a brutal face-off that moves like lightning.

The movie takes a fascinating swath of real-life Western figures and lets them play in this larger-than-life, semi-fictional universe. Beside Majors and Elba, Zazie Beetz lights up the screen as Stagecoach Mary. Her character depicts feminine strength, intelligence, and independence to the core while maintaining undeniable chemistry with Majors. RJ Cyler, as quick-witted Jim Beckwourth, provides some of the film's most enjoyable comedic moments, laying out quick and clever dialogues that create balance amidst the intense atmosphere.

The supporting ensemble is stacked with other talented names giving life to historically rich characters such as legendary lawman Bass Reeves, played by Delroy Lindo, bringing his longstanding gravitas to the screen and notorious Bill Pickett portrayed by Edi Gathegi. Regina King, not to be outdone, gives a standout performance as Trudy Smith, Buck's fiercely loyal right hand and a force of nature unto herself.

What's special about The Harder They Fall, beyond its talented star-studded cast, is its unique, dynamic take on the Western genre. Samuel packs the movie with anachronisms, peppering in modern swagger and a killer soundtrack to punctuate the action-packed scenes. The visual aesthetics are stunning, with each frame looking like a painting coming alive. The production design, set pieces and costume designs are exemplary, adding depth to the film by taking viewers through the beauty of the Old West.

The Harder They Fall wears its cultural and historical significance on its sleeve. Classic Western cliches of spurs, saloons, train robberies, and showdowns are all present and accounted for, but woven in are messages of race, equality, respect, and power dynamics. The movie forefronts Black cowboys and cowgirls as the undisputed, indomitable protagonists whilst without ignoring or shying away from the era's realities of racism and lawlessness.

The dialogue too is engaging, free from linguistic archaeology associated with Westerns. Instead, it's loaded with modern idioms and phrases presented with a western twist making it more enticing and relatable for today's audience. The film’s tone swings brilliantly between humor and pathos, seriousness and witticism. The firefights, choir-slapping songs, elegant visuals, emotional valleys, and narrative highs all combine to make this movie a vibrant piece of cinema.

However, it's not a movie for the faint-hearted. The violence in the movie is stark and visceral, every gunshot, punch, and wound reverberates back to the audience. There's bloodshed, yes, but it's tightly linked with the narrative and the era it depicts.

In conclusion, The Harder They Fall is an audacious, lively reshaping of Western genre norms. It's a film that is deeply aware of its roots while also blazing its own trail. A visual treat coupled with an invigorating soundtrack and driven by stellar performances from its ensemble cast, the film offers a fresh and exciting look into a historical time period often restricted by well-trodden tropes. The Harder They Fall revels in its stylish originality while paying homage to the untold stories and overlooked figures of the Old West. It’s a well-orchestrated revolver ballet, a meticulously crafted love letter to the classic Western film genre, and a victory for inclusion within film's storytelling tapestry.