Watch The Hero

The Hero is a 2017 American drama film directed by Brett Haley and starring Sam Elliott, Laura Prepon, and Krysten Ritter. The story follows an aging Western film icon named Lee Hayden (Elliott), who is struggling to come to terms with his own mortality, his career, and his estranged relationship with his daughter, Lucy (Ritter). Lee is a once-famous cowboy movie star who is now past his prime and struggling to find work. He spends most of his days smoking pot with his former co-star and friend Jeremy (Nick Offerman) and recording voice-overs for commercials. One day, he receives a cancer diagnosis that shakes him to the core and forces him to reassess his life and legacy.

Amidst his health struggles, Lee meets Charlotte (Prepon), a much younger stand-up comedian who is opening for him at a small gig. The two strike up an unlikely friendship and quickly develop a romantic connection. Charlotte challenges Lee to confront his demons and make amends with his past regrets. Meanwhile, Lucy resurfaces in Lee's life and he struggles to make amends with her after years of neglect.

The Hero is a poignant and introspective film that explores themes of mortality, legacy, and the human connection. At its core, it is a character study of a man grappling with his own mortality and the choices he has made in his life. Sam Elliott delivers a powerful performance as Lee Hayden, capturing the character's fears, regrets, and vulnerability. His chemistry with Prepon is electric, and their dynamic relationship adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the story.

The film also features strong supporting performances from Ritter and Offerman, who bring humor and heart to their respective roles. Ritter shines as the conflicted daughter who wants to reconcile with her father, but is hesitant to let him back into her life. Offerman provides much-needed comedic relief as Lee's stoner friend, who is also struggling with his own demons.

One of the standout aspects of The Hero is its stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and vastness of the American West. The film features sweeping shots of desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and open roads, emphasizing the majesty and solitude of Lee's surroundings. The music, composed by Keegan DeWitt, adds to the film's overall atmosphere and emotional impact, with poignant and melancholic melodies that echo Lee's journey.

Overall, The Hero is a touching and evocative film that will resonate with audiences who have ever questioned their own mortality and legacy. It is a stirring exploration of what it means to come to terms with the end of one's life and the legacy we leave behind. The film is a must-watch for fans of Sam Elliott, who delivers a career-defining performance as the aging cowboy star who is still searching for his own hero's journey.

The Hero is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 61.