Watch Death in Texas

Death in Texas, a 2020 crime thriller, delves deep into the lives of a dangerous criminal, his estranged father, and an aging cop who is chasing them down. The movie stars Bruce Dern (as Dalton, the father), Ronnie Gene Blevins (as Billy, the criminal), and Clark Harris (as Sheriff Stevens, the cop). The film opens with Billy, a former convict, trying to keep his business afloat with the help of his friend and partner in crime, Mikey. Things start to go sideways when Mikey accidentally shoots one of their customers during a liquor store robbery gone wrong. Billy takes the fall for the shooting and lands back in jail, but he is determined to clear his name and get back to running his bar. However, he's not the only one with a grudge to settle. Dalton, his father who has been out of his life for ages, decides to come back to share some dark secrets with Billy. Dalton is a grumpy old man with a cowboy hat and a chip on his shoulder. He's not afraid of any man, let alone his own son.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Stevens, a veteran lawman, is grappling with his own personal demons. He is about to lose his job and his family is in dire straits. The only thing that keeps him going is his stubborn determination to catch Billy and his crew. He's a man who won't give up, no matter how high the stakes or how great the odds. Stevens is one of those characters who is trying to do what's right, but life keeps getting in the way. You can sense the defeatism that hovers over his actions and James Russo’s portrayal of the character is authentic and grounded.

As the three men clash with each other, the tension ratchets up to a boiling point. The film manages to capture the gritty nature of small-town life, with its petty rivalries, passions, and feuds. This is a story about people who have made bad decisions, been dealt bad hands, and are trying to find a way to survive. The landscape is both bleak and desolate, which creates a feeling of isolation and desperation throughout the movie.

Director Scott Windhause has done an incredible job of creating a gritty, tense crime thriller. Death in Texas is not a fast-paced film, but it is engrossing. The story unfolds in a methodical manner, gradually building to a powerful climax that is both shocking and emotionally affecting. The acting is excellent, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. In fact, the performances are so good that they add an extra layer of depth to the script.

The film is shot in a way that captures the stark beauty of its rural Texas setting. There is a palpable sense of place in the movie that is both authentic and haunting. The visuals are complemented by a moody, atmospheric score that underscores the bleakness of the story.

The pacing of the film is deliberately slow, allowing the audience to get to know the characters and their motivations. This slow-burning approach pays off in the final act, which is a gripping and emotionally charged experience. There is a rawness to the movie that makes it stand out from other crime thrillers. It is a film that isn't afraid to take its time and let the story and characters breathe.

In conclusion, Death in Texas is a gripping, well-crafted film that explores the darker side of human nature. It's a movie about survival, desperation, and redemption. The performances are excellent, the direction is top-notch, and the story is engrossing. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Death in Texas is a 2021 crime movie. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.