Pierce Brosnan stars in divisive Western The Unholy Trinity, a film that has sparked contrasting reactions since its June 13, 2025 release, with critics panning the plot while some moviegoers find its performances and style worth watching. As the movie hits theaters, viewers are split over its value, especially with a low 17% Rotten Tomatoes rating offset by a much higher Popcornmeter audience score.
Brosnan and Jackson Lead a Star-Studded Western Against Mixed Reception
The Unholy Trinity features prominent actors Pierce Brosnan as Sheriff Gabriel Dove and Samuel L. Jackson as St. Christopher, set against the rugged backdrop of 1870s Montana. While Brosnan, famous for his James Bond legacy, and Jackson, with upcoming roles including The Beast and a project with J.J. Abrams, have generated significant interest, the film has stirred debate. Audiences and critics seem divided—a scenario that routinely fuels discussion, as seen with the stark gap between critical reviews and the Popcornmeter’s 66% approval from viewers.
This split is apparent in detailed responses: critics have branded the movie as underwhelming, insufficiently inventive, and at times dull, particularly faulting the plot for its lack of depth. Nevertheless, audience reviews spotlight certain strengths, keeping the movie’s reputation from falling entirely flat.
Audience Perspectives Highlight Performances and Visuals
While some insist the story falls short, viewers have been vocal about their enjoyment of the film’s cast and visuals:
“Great story line, good actors, fit the characters perfectly, cinematography was excellent.”
—Fan review
Another moviegoer remarked,
“If you like westerns, this one is decent. Samuel Jackson is amazing as always. Pierce Brosnan held his own, and it was nice to see him back on the big screen.”
—Fan review
Others in the audience have critiqued the ending or found it underwhelming, yet many still describe the picture as entertaining enough—a serviceable Western for genre enthusiasts. The theme of audience-critic disagreement continues, reflecting the intense and passionate responses surrounding both Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson’s latest work.
The Film’s Place Among Westerns and Its Box Office Performance
Despite its big names, The Unholy Trinity has not gained major traction at the box office, with a recorded gross of $559,610 globally to date, according to Box Office Mojo. In comparison, Samuel L. Jackson’s earlier journey into the Western genre with Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight met a far warmer reception and holds a strong place among 21st-century Westerns. The genre itself has seen ongoing contributions from icons like Clint Eastwood and emerging creators responsible for new spins on classic tropes, such as Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe.
Behind the Scenes: Director Richard Gray’s Approach
Richard Gray, with previous features like Murder at Yellowstone City, Broken Ghost, and Sugar Mountain, brought his expertise and passion to the Western setting, eyeing the cyclical surges of audience interest the genre experiences. Coming off his near-win at Project Greenlight Australia, Gray aimed to showcase the unique chemistry between established stars and the enduring appeal of gritty American landscapes. His admiration for his lead actors is clear:
“It’s great when you’re talking to Pierce or Sam about a scene, and you’ve got your ideas, but usually their ideas are better. They’ll take your ideas and try to do something with them… There’s just an aura around those guys that’s hard to properly explain when you’re dealing with legends of cinema. It was just really exciting.”
—Richard Gray, Director
This trust in Brosnan and Jackson’s creative input reflects the collaborative energy that defined the project, even if critics remain unmoved by the final result.
Cast Highlights: Bringing the Old West to Life
Apart from Brosnan and Jackson, the film also stars Brandon Lessard as Henry Broadway and Veronica Ferres as Sarah Dove. Their performances contribute to the tapestry of characters negotiating personal and public battles on the Montana frontier, helping anchor the film’s appeal to fans of the genre.
The Road Ahead for Brosnan, Jackson, and the Western Genre
While The Unholy Trinity may not have landed as a blockbuster, its polarized critical and audience reception ensures it remains a talking point among Western aficionados and casual viewers alike. Brosnan and Jackson both continue to remain in the public eye with anticipated releases across film and television, and director Richard Gray’s efforts will likely encourage debate about the enduring allure—and divisiveness—of the Western genre. As the dust settles, viewers are left to decide for themselves if this star-driven take on cowboy legend earns its place in the canon of modern Westerns.
