Director Jacob Thompson’s “Gunslingers” is a great modern ode to the classic movie western that explores the universal idea of the gunslinger. Although it might be a badge of honor to be considered the best gunslinger in the west, there will always be someone coming around challenging you. And that is a curse to bear that will end with someone buried underground.
Decades after faking his death, retired outlaw Henry McCarthy finds his quiet life suddenly interrupted by the arrival of an ambitious young gunman seeking notoriety.
“Gunslingers” is a beautifully directed and well composed short Western with tight direction, strong performances, and just a surefire keen understanding of what makes a great Western film. Eric Jewett and Lucas Swope compose the entirety of the cast, but they work wonders off of each other, presenting a great dynamic. The direction from Thompson is also quite the feat as he channels the Holocene aesthetic of the classic Western to an artform. Paired with the poetic final scene, “Gunslingers” is a treat with a classic premise. Different is great but sometimes the classics work just as well. I hope we can see more from Thompson and writer Tim Chamberlain soon.