Taylor Sheridan Hell Water stands out as a remarkable film that has not received the attention it truly deserves since its release in 2016. This neo-Western, starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster as two brothers who resort to robbing banks to save their family ranch, unfolds in Texas and explores themes of desperation and survival. Despite its critical acclaim and four Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, Hell or High Water remains largely overshadowed by other Westerns and mainstream films from that year.
Taylor Sheridan is well-known for his television creations such as Yellowstone, but his film work often goes unnoticed, even though it includes notable titles like Finestkind, featuring Jenna Ortega, and Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie. As Sheridan now turns his attention to a high-profile Call of Duty adaptation, revisiting Hell or High Water highlights his skill in storytelling and the quality of his earlier movie work.
Challenges Faced by Hell or High Water in a Competitive 2016
Despite an impressive 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Hell or High Water earned only $36 million at the box office, partially due to its modest $12 million budget and limited marketing support. OddLot Entertainment, the studio behind the film, struggled financially and had closed by the time the movie premiered, which further diminished promotional efforts. This release timing placed Hell or High Water in tough competition with blockbuster hits like Captain America: Civil War, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Deadpool, all of which dominated the cinematic landscape that year.
Another factor limiting its initial reach was Sheridan’s relatively low profile at the time. Known mostly for his acting past on Sons of Anarchy, Sheridan had not yet gained fame as the creator of television hits like Yellowstone. With his TV success capturing public focus, the earlier films he wrote and produced faded from widespread memory. Now, a decade later, Hell or High Water deserves renewed recognition for its craftsmanship and narrative depth.
Complex Moral Landscape of the Film’s Central Characters
Hell or High Water departs from typical Western clichés by challenging the clear-cut distinction between heroes and villains. Rather than casting the criminals as simple antagonists, the film invites viewers to empathize with Toby and Tanner, the brothers whose bank heists are driven by necessity rather than greed. Their motivation is rooted in the threat of losing their family land, especially with new oil reserves discovered beneath it, and the recent death of their mother adds emotional weight to their actions.
This portrayal deepens the story’s emotional complexity and moves away from the classic outlaw versus lawman dynamic. The narrative hints at influences like Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 films but still carves its own unique identity through the direction of David Mackenzie and Sheridan’s layered script. The film presents crime as an act born of circumstance and survival, rather than mere villainy.
Standout Performances That Elevate the Story
The strength of Hell or High Water lies not only in its script but also in its powerful performances. Chris Pine delivers one of his finest roles as Toby, capturing the desperation and determination of a man forced into extreme measures. Jeff Bridges, portraying a seasoned Texas Ranger hunting the brothers, embodies a law enforcement figure who is insightful and strategic, reminiscent of Llewelyn Moss from No Country for Old Men, but marked by greater caution and wisdom.
The dynamic between the characters adds tension and depth, preventing the story from falling into a simplistic good-versus-evil narrative. This nuanced portrayal invites audiences to reconsider the nature of justice and morality within the harsh realities depicted in the film.
Hell or High Water continues to be a vital viewing experience for fans of Westerns and complex dramas. Its poignant examination of family, hardship, and the relentless fight against economic forces remains relevant, and the movie deserves a place in the spotlight through repeat viewings or discovery by new audiences on streaming platforms like Amazon and Apple TV+.
