Watch The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen is a 2019 American crime drama film that is directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, and Kathy Bates. The film is based on the true story of two former Texas Rangers who were hired to track down and capture notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in the 1930s. The story begins in 1934, after Bonnie and Clyde have already become infamous for their string of robberies and murders across the central United States. The film centers on the two Texas Rangers who are brought out of retirement to help capture the duo, who have managed to evade law enforcement for years.

Costner plays Frank Hamer, a legendary Texas Ranger who is well-respected in law enforcement circles. However, he is also a controversial figure, having been involved in the killing of several Mexican-American bandits years earlier. Harrelson plays Maney Gault, Hamer's former partner who is still working as a Ranger but is struggling with alcoholism and is seen as a liability by his colleagues.

The two Rangers are hired by the governor of Texas to track down Bonnie and Clyde, who have amassed a large group of followers and supporters amongst the public. Many see the duo as romantic figures who are sticking it to the establishment during the Great Depression. Hamer and Gault undergo a difficult journey as they hunt down the outlaws, facing dangerous situations and watching out for the threat of ambush from Bonnie and Clyde's many associates.

As they draw closer to their targets, the Rangers begin to realize the full scope of Bonnie and Clyde's crimes, and the stakes of the mission become even higher. Throughout the film, Hamer and Gault maintain a sense of duty and honor, even when they come up against political forces who would seek to undermine their efforts.

The Highwaymen is a well-crafted period piece that effectively recreates the look and feel of the Midwest during the 1930s. Costner and Harrelson are both in top form, offering nuanced portrayals of complex characters who are wrestling with their own personal demons. There are moments of tense action and suspense throughout the film, but it also spends ample time exploring the psychological and emotional toll of the hunt.

One of the film's most interesting themes is the idea of legacy and how one's actions in the present can impact the way they are remembered in the future. Hamer and Gault are both grappling with their own reputations and the way they will be perceived by history, and this adds an extra layer of depth to their characters.

The supporting cast is also strong, with Bates delivering an entertaining turn as Gov. Miriam "Ma" Ferguson, a political figure who is not always on the Rangers' side. Other standout performances come from John Carroll Lynch and Thomas Mann, who play two young lawmen who are inspired by Hamer and Gault and join the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde.

Overall, The Highwaymen is a satisfying crime drama that takes a unique perspective on the Bonnie and Clyde story. It is a slow-burning film that rewards patience and attention, and it is boosted by the excellent performances of its leads. The film is definitely worth checking out for fans of historical dramas and crime films.

The Highwaymen is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 58.