Introduction to Butcher’s Crossing (2022) – A Gripping Psychological Journey into the Wild West

Butcher’s Crossing (2022) is an American Western film directed by Gabe Polsky in his feature film debut. Adapted from John Edward Williams’ acclaimed 1960 novel of the same name, the movie offers a profound exploration of human nature, greed, and the relationship between man and the natural world. Featuring a talented cast including Nicolas Cage, Fred Hechinger, Xander Berkeley, Rachel Keller, Jeremy Bobb, and Paul Raci, the film delivers a dramatic narrative that is both a classic Western and a bold reimagining, challenging the myths of the American frontier.

General Information

• Title: Butcher’s Crossing
• Director: Gabe Polsky
• Main Cast: Nicolas Cage (as Miller), Fred Hechinger (as Will Andrews), Xander Berkeley (as Charley), Jeremy Bobb (as Fred), Paul Raci (as McDonald), Rachel Keller
• Genre: Western, Psychological, Adventure, Drama
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Rating: R (strong language, sensitive content, violence)
• Release Date: September 9, 2022 (Toronto International Film Festival), October 20, 2023 (U.S. theaters)
• Viewing Platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or rent/buy on Fandango at Home
• Setting: Butcher’s Crossing, Kansas, and the Colorado wilderness, 1870s

Plot Summary

Set in 1874, Butcher’s Crossing follows Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger), a young Harvard dropout seeking purpose and adventure in the untamed American West. Driven by a desire for discovery, Will arrives in the small town of Butcher’s Crossing, Kansas, where the economy revolves around the buffalo hide trade. There, he meets Miller (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned and enigmatic buffalo hunter who convinces Will to fund an ambitious hunting expedition to a remote Colorado valley rumored to harbor a massive buffalo herd.

Joined by Charley (Xander Berkeley), a weathered wagon driver, and Fred (Jeremy Bobb), a rough-edged skinner, the group embarks on a journey filled with promises of wealth. However, Miller’s greed soon pushes the team into perilous situations. When an unexpected blizzard traps them in the wilderness for months, they face starvation, the harshness of nature, and psychological collapse. The film delves into profound themes such as greed, environmental destruction, and the cost of chasing the American Dream in the West.

Highlights

1. Compelling Performances:
   • Nicolas Cage as Miller delivers a restrained yet haunting performance. Unlike his more eccentric roles, Cage portrays a complex character who is both charismatic and terrifying, embodying greed and obsession. While some critics felt his role was underutilized, Cage’s presence remains a standout.
   • Fred Hechinger as Will Andrews skillfully captures the arc of a naive young man disillusioned by the harsh realities of the West. His psychological transformation is conveyed through subtle expressions and actions.
   • Supporting actors like Jeremy Bobb, Xander Berkeley, and Paul Raci add authenticity and tension with their grounded performances.
2. Deep Themes:
   The film transcends the Western genre, serving as a cautionary tale about greed and environmental devastation. Through vivid depictions of brutal buffalo hunts, Butcher’s Crossing reflects the catastrophic decline of North American buffalo populations in the late 19th century and humanity’s exploitation of indigenous lands. The film’s modern approach incorporates themes of environmental conservation and respect for indigenous cultures, developed in collaboration with the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.
3. Cinematography and Setting:
   Filmed on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, the movie showcases stunning visuals of the wild frontier, from vast prairies to snow-covered mountains. The cinematography is widely praised for capturing the grandeur and harshness of the West. However, some critics noted that nature could have been a more central “character” rather than a backdrop.
4. Soundtrack and Atmosphere:
   The film’s score enhances the sense of tension and isolation, complementing the story’s heavy tone. Polsky’s direction of hunting and survival scenes is raw and unflinching, emphasizing the brutality of human actions, though some scenes may be unsettling for sensitive viewers.

Critical Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 74% approval rating from 61 critics, with an average score of 5.9/10. Critics praised Nicolas Cage’s performance and the environmental message but noted that the film lacks focus and depth in character development.
• Roger Ebert: Critic Robert Daniels described the film as “unfocused, detached, and flat” but acknowledged its beautiful visuals and meaningful story.
• The Guardian: Noted that the film falls short of conveying the full horror of the novel but remains engaging due to its strong cast and narrative.
• Reddit and Letterboxd: Audience reactions are mixed. Some appreciated the film’s simplicity and conservation message, while others found the pacing slow and the climax underwhelming. Cage’s restrained performance and the film’s visuals were widely praised.

Target Audience

Butcher’s Crossing is ideal for viewers who enjoy modern Westerns with deep psychological and environmental themes. It may not suit those sensitive to depictions of animal hunting or those expecting a traditional action-packed Western with gunfights. The film’s somber and heavy tone requires viewers to be prepared for a reflective and intense experience.

Conclusion

Butcher’s Crossing is a distinctive Western that blends the rugged beauty of the frontier with a stark exploration of human greed. Despite some flaws in pacing and character depth, the film shines with Nicolas Cage’s compelling performance, a powerful conservation message, and breathtaking visuals. If you’re drawn to thought-provoking stories about humanity and nature, or simply want to see Nicolas Cage in a nuanced role as an obsessive buffalo hunter, Butcher’s Crossing is well worth watching.

Stream it on Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, and share your thoughts! What did you think of Will Andrews’ journey and the film’s message?
(Sources: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert, The Guardian, Letterboxd, Reddit)