Summary

Butcher’s Crossing is a solid film with below average script, but the character dynamics and cinematography make it engaging. The film’s cinematography, particularly the portrayal of the American West, is one of its most captivating aspects. While Butcher’s Crossing may not be mind-blowing, it offers realistic tension and highlights the chemistry between Nicolas Cage and Fred Hechinger.

Butcher’s Crossing isn’t necessarily a straightforward Western but when it departs from that genre good things happen. Director Gabe Polsky (In Search Of Greatness), who wrote the script in partnership with Liam Satre-Meloy, brings John Williams’ (Stoner) book to life with aspects of both a thriller and adventure film. At no point does the script ever rise to anything above average. That being said, the cinematography by David Gallego (War Pony) portrays the American West in a way that makes the wide shots gorgeous. Led by The White Lotus’ Fred Hechinger and the always reliable Nicolas Cage, Butcher’s Crossing has no weak links in its casting but its story and execution won’t wow audiences.

When Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger) leaves school to commit to gaining more real-life experience, he travels to Colorado to explore the American West. His goal is to go on a buffalo hunt and after a failed attempt his luck changes when he meets Miller (Cage). Miller agrees to take the novice on the ultimate hunt as long as he can front the money needed to complete it. Against the advice of many, Will trusts that Miller knows about the legendary buffalo hunting ground, and along with a motley crew, they venture off into the wilderness. The trip is rocky at first but eventually, Will finds out that everyone was wrong about Miller, and they come across more buffalo than anyone could wish for. When the choice becomes greed or survival they all must decide what their priorities are.

Butcher’s Crossing is a solid film but is held back by the below average script. Buffalo hunting is the central plot, but the character dynamics are where the film really shines. And at an hour and 45 minutes there isn’t too much fat on the bone. Polsky smartly leans into the story’s strengths while still making room for the animals everyone is fighting over. As a true Western the film is good but never great. However, as a survivalist film Butcher’s Crossing does have a lot to offer. Cage as the wily vet and Hechinger as the anxious newcomer offer a lot, but the script that surrounds them holds the film back from excelling.

The cinematography can often be the best part of movies shot in sprawling landscapes and though that is not the case in Butcher’s Crossing, it is certainly one of the film’s most engaging aspects. Shot in Montana, David Gallego brings a lot to the table. The film is not a marvel to look at, but when it is focused on the setting and not the characters it is beautiful. The production does a good job of blending CGI into the live-action film. Most of the buffalo are not real but unless they are shot in close-ups it’s not noticeable at all.

Cage and Hechinger have diabolical chemistry that plays very well onscreen, but they are not the only ones making the acting a highlight of the film. Jeremy Bobb (The Knick) as the heel and Paul Raci as the antithesis of Cage’s character are effective in every scene. Combined with Polsky’s direction, the cast is full of colorful moments and a steady hand at the wheel. Even characters who only get one scene like Amber Rose Mason (Blood For Dust), help create the world that is Butcher’s Crossing.

There is nothing that will blow your mind in Butcher’s Crossing, but the film is serviceable. As Nicolas Cage continues to change his trajectory in this era of his career, his role in here is yet another entry into the actor’s now infamous canon. Though the script is not spectacular it has its moments and a realistic tension that cannot be ignored.

Butcher’s Crossing is now playing in theaters. The film is 104 minutes long and rated R for language, some violence/bloody images and brief sexual content.