Hell or High Water

Hell or High Water is a slow burn, tense and sublime American drama that is superb in every way. It’s highlighted by fantastic writing and even better performances, and is one of the best movies of the year.

If the Old West told stories of good vs. evil and the protection of civilization against all who threaten it, this “New Western” adapts those principles for the present day with noticeably blurred lines. Brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster) are as smart as can be when robbing numerous branches of Texas Midlands banks: They wear masks, always use a different car, only take low-denomination bills and they max out at less than $10,000 each time. This keeps them below the radar of the FBI, but puts them in the sights of retiring Texas Ranger Marcus (Jeff Bridges) and his partner Alberto (Gil Birmingham).

In addition to Toby and Tanner’s smart methodology, their reasons are valid, albeit selfish. Toby knows the bank is ready to foreclose on their family’s land, and he wants to leave it in a trust for his two sons. So he and Tanner are stealing from the bank only to give the money back to the bank to pay off debts.

What’s fascinating about the story from Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) is that it’s layered to continuously reveal information the viewer doesn’t expect. To wit, how they launder money and Toby’s real motivation for saving the land are both appropriately grounded in logic and reason. These gradual reveals are punctuated by standout supporting performances, especially Margaret Bowman as a spirited waitress at a T-Bone cafe, Katy Mixon as a waitress who flirts with Toby, and Dale Dickey in the opening scene as a bank employee who gives the boys a piece of her mind.

Movies go from good to great with these small standout turns.

Pine, Foster and Bridges lead the way.Pine’s approach is stoic as a dad who’ll do anything to provide for his kids, whereas Foster is unhinged as an ex con who feels he has nothing to lose. Bridges, as a weary widower who’s dreading retirement, could very well be in line for a supporting actor Oscar nomination.

The film was directed by David Mackenzie, a relative unknown who is announcing his presence in a major way.

By the end, we still like the brothers even though the robberies are dangerous. It’s rare to see a movie in which you root for everyone in spite of their shortcomings, and for it to be executed with great tension and suspense to the very end.

Hell or High Water (3 1/2) • Directed by David Mackenzie • Starring Dale Dickey, Ben Foster, Chris Pine • Rated R • 102 min. • At Century Cinemas Del Monte, Maya Cinemas, Northridge Cinemas