Taking characters from the classic western and transporting them into the modern age, Hell or High Water has its requisite share of cowboys, Indians, and cops and robbers, though it cleverly pairs the cowboy and Indian as two Texas Rangers hunting down a pair of outlaw bank robbers.
Written by Taylor Sheridan and directed by David Mackenzie, the story follows brothers Tanner (Ben Foster) and Toby Howard (Chris Pine) as they travel through small Texas towns, robbing bank after bank as they go. Tanner, the older sibling, is a wild card criminal who has spent ten of his thirty-nine years behind bars. The brains of the operation, however, is Toby, a charming, clever man who meticulously plans each robbery. He has a melancholic aura, as the death of his mother, as well as a strained relationship with his ex-wife and two sons, has left him flapping alone in the wind. Though the pair are clearly robbers, their perspective as to why they are taking aim at the banks lands more in the grey zone, as raising interest rates that were placed on their mother by way of a reverse mortgage left the matriarch in a crippling amount of debt.
Their mother has just passed, which will place the large property in foreclosure in just a few short days. It has just been discovered that there is a wealth of oil sitting below the surface, spurring the twosome to attempt these reckless heists. It is Toby who orchestrates the plan to rob the banks that placed their mother in the lose/lose situation, hoping to pay off the fees and taxes before doom-laden ‘foreclosure Friday’ comes upon them. The property is then to be left in trust for his sons. This adds a level of sympathy to these thieves and creates quite the quasi-revenge-filled plot.
Hot on their trail is a soon-to-be retired Texas Ranger by the name of Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges). Looking for any way to prolong his beloved job (and take his mind off of the day that he will be sitting in a rocking chair on a porch), he heads out on the road with his aboriginal partner, Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham) – two very different individuals. Hamilton is a gruff- talking hard ass and racist who enjoys nothing better than ripping into the heritage of his partner. When Parker reminds Hamilton that he is also part Mexican, the senior Ranger tells him that he will get to that part of his lineage in good time, as he still has a fair share of jabs to throw at his native heritage before he moves on. His more reserved compatriot picks his moments to lob insults at the aging vet, though despite being at odds on nearly every subject matter, they still work well together.
The Howard’s clean the money at a local casino, receiving a cheque following their time spent there. Hamilton attempts to get into the heads of the elusive criminals, looking at each and every aspect of the case. Though the strands are few, the man hypothesizes that their next attack will be at a larger bank in the area. Will the terrible twosome meet their match in the wily veteran, or will the aging lawman meet nothing but failure on his last case?
Hell or High Water is a supremely solid story. It was the winner of the 2012 Black List – highlighting the top scripts that have yet to be made. Featuring a superb cast, each character, both big and small, adds something to the tale. Two smaller characters that should be highlighted are a couple of very different waitresses, one who is charmed by the criminals and begrudges the cops for taking away the generous tip that they left, while the other is a harsh career woman of forty four years who tells the Ranger patrons how it is going to be. Both make the best of their small roles, bringing life into their meetings with the main players. Similarly, the way the two different pairs feed off of each other is infectious. Foster and Pine are perfectly able to capture the vibe of being brothers, encompassing the rhythm, beat and spontaneity that comes when you bring together a wise soul and a rambunctious career criminal. The feeling that comes off between Bridges and Birmingham is similar, as they spout harsh words at each other, yet it is clear that there is a long earned respect and decent relationship there.
Though there is some action in this one, much of its edgy charm comes from its striking cinematography, endless Texan vistas and the sharp dialogue brought forth from the terrific cast. It also makes perfect use of the no nonsense Texan outlook, as the robbers run into more than one brave citizen who takes offense at their actions. It is amazing what can be found in this little gem, as it features its fair share of drama, suspense, action and surprising doses of gruff comedy. Its reworking of the classic western for modern times feels both refreshingly original as well as comfortably traditional – though that seems to be a paradox.
Hell or High Water leaves us in a place that makes us question what will come next. Bridges have been burned and there is a burden left on more than one soul, which leaves us simmering as the film’s final acerbic meeting comes to an end. Subtle implications are made, though it is our own racing mind that must decide what the aftermath will bring. Come hell or high water, make sure to see this arresting motion picture; it’s well worth the money.