Taylor Sheridan’s Western masterpiece, Hell or High Water, is gaining renewed attention as it streams on Paramount+. Known primarily for his work on hit TV series like Yellowstone, Landman, and Tulsa King, Sheridan first made a significant impact with this 2016 neo-Western film that reshaped the genre on the big screen. The story unfolds in Texas, where two brothers resort to bank robberies to save their family ranch, setting in motion a tense pursuit by a determined Texas Ranger.
A Tense Story of Family and Justice in the Texas Frontier
Directed by David Mackenzie, Hell or High Water stars Chris Pine as Toby, a desperate single father fighting to prevent foreclosure on his family property. He teams with his volatile ex-con brother Tanner, played by Ben Foster, to carry out a series of carefully planned bank heists across small Texas towns. Jeff Bridges plays Marcus, a seasoned Texas Ranger intent on catching the duo before his retirement. What follows is a gripping cat-and-mouse chase through the harsh landscape of West Texas, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and the burdens of justice in modern America’s frontier.
The film stands as a cornerstone of what is often called Sheridan’s American Frontier Trilogy, positioned between Sicario (2015) and Wind River (2017). Unlike traditional Westerns focused on gunfights, this trilogy emphasizes personal sacrifice and family dynamics set against the backdrop of America’s rugged border regions.
Critical Acclaim and Enduring Popularity
Upon release, Hell or High Water was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $37 million globally. The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Jeff Bridges, Best Original Screenplay for Sheridan, and Best Editing. It holds a 97% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting wide acclaim from viewers and critics alike. The performances by the lead actors, especially the portrayal of the two brothers, have been singled out for praise.
Collider highlighted the complex dynamic between the leads:
“This film lives and dies by the performances of the brothers. And they do not disappoint. Tanner could’ve been played as an over-the-top firecracker with an itchy trigger finger, but Foster smartly winds the violent coil down until its most absolutely necessary. Instead, Foster chooses to lay on a good-for-nothin’ charm that’s all mumbled confidence and acidic humor. And instead of simply having a short fuse, Foster adds the beats of frustration that both ignite that fuse, but also drive home the idea of brotherly love. As the other brother, Pine, who usually plays heroes, plays neither hero nor anti-hero. He is a man with a plan. He is measured.” – Collider
Performance Highlights and Supporting Cast
Chris Pine delivers a nuanced performance as Toby, a man balancing desperation with determination, while Ben Foster’s depiction of Tanner brings a volatile but loyal energy to the story. Jeff Bridges’ portrayal of Marcus is widely regarded as one of his finest late-career roles, capturing the weariness and resolve of a Texas Ranger facing retirement yet unwilling to relinquish his principles. Other notable performances include Gil Birmingham and Kristin Berg, who contribute to the film’s authentic atmosphere and emotional depth.
The Continued Relevance of Taylor Sheridan’s Western Themes
The ongoing interest in Hell or High Water underscores Taylor Sheridan’s unique ability to craft Western narratives that feel both contemporary and timeless. Using the frontier as a stage, Sheridan explores urgent social issues, complex family ties, and moral ambiguity with an intensity that resonates in today’s cultural landscape. As audiences continue to discover or revisit this film through Paramount+, its influence on Sheridan’s evolving body of work remains clear.
With his success in television and film, Sheridan’s Western storytelling is expected to maintain a strong presence, influencing how the genre evolves while reflecting the struggles of America’s borderlands and small-town communities.
