Watch Dead West

Dead West is a gripping and intense indie thriller that explores a dark and dangerous world populated by relentless killers, desperate survivors, and those caught in between. Directed by Jeff Ferrell and starring Ryan Black, DaNae Aguirre, and Jeffrey Arrington, the movie draws inspiration from classic Westerns and modern horror, blending the two genres in a gritty and atmospheric way that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The story follows the journey of a homicidal drifter named Conner (played by Ryan Black), who is on the run from the law after a string of bloody murders. He encounters a young woman named Annabelle (DaNae Aguirre) and her young daughter Jessie (played by newcomer Tristen Bankston) and decides to take them hostage, hoping to use them as leverage against the authorities. However, as they cross the barren landscape of the American West, Conner and the women are pursued by a relentless bounty hunter named Ezekiel (Jeffrey Arrington), who is determined to capture Conner and claim the reward on his head.

As the journey unfolds, the tension and violence escalate, with each of the characters revealing dark secrets and hidden motivations. Conner is revealed to be driven by a twisted sense of justice, seeking revenge for the death of his wife and daughter. Annabelle is haunted by a traumatising incident in her past and is struggling to keep her daughter safe from the dangers of the world. And Ezekiel is revealed to be a man consumed by his obsession, willing to do anything to capture his prey.

The movie is shot with a skillful use of lighting and camera angles, creating a moody and atmospheric tone that captures the desolate beauty of the Western landscape. The use of practical effects and makeup also adds to the film's gritty realism, with each gunshot, blood spatter, and wound feeling visceral and authentic.

One of the strengths of Dead West is its cast, with each of the actors delivering powerful and nuanced performances that capture the raw emotions and motivations of their characters. Ryan Black is especially impressive as Conner, bringing a sense of menace and intensity to the role that is both captivating and disturbing. DaNae Aguirre also does an excellent job in portraying Annabelle's vulnerability and strength, grounding her character in a relatable and sympathetic way. And Jeffrey Arrington's portrayal of Ezekiel is both chilling and captivating, making him a formidable and memorable antagonist.

While the movie is undeniably violent and intense, it also has moments of sensitivity and complexity that elevate it beyond the typical action-horror fare. The relationships between the characters are explored in a way that feels authentic and lived-in, with each of them grappling with their own demons and desires. The film also offers commentary on the nature of justice and revenge, exploring how these concepts can be manipulated and twisted to serve individual agendas.

Overall, Dead West is a dark and gripping movie that will appeal to fans of both Western and horror genres. It offers a fresh and interesting take on the classic cowboy tale, flipping the script on traditional notions of heroism and villainy. With its strong performances, atmospheric visuals, and intelligent storytelling, the movie is a standout entry in the indie thriller genre.

Dead West is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.