With stellar performances and stylish direction, Jeymes Samuel’s debut feature film “The Harder They Fall” leaves westerns of the past in the dust. The film, which dropped on Netflix on October 22, delivers a popcorn-worthy ride through the Wild West and blazes a path for future Black storytellers in the genre.
Although the film is populated with characters based on real people, the events are entirely fictional. “The Harder They Fall” is upfront about its artistic liberties from the opening seconds. Despite the story’s tenuous ties to reality, the film will no doubt inspire curious viewers to research the true origins of their favorite gunslinging heroes and villains of the screen.
This revenge tale follows tortured soul Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) as he sets off to confront the man who murdered his parents, Rufus Buck (Idris Elba). Along the way, Love encounters a vibrant cast of characters in fiery Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz), stoic but lovable Cuffee (Danielle Deadwyler) and a host of other well-drawn quick-draws.
The ensemble cast fires off almost as many one-liners as bullets in this refreshingly comedic take on a moody genre. Regina King, in particular, gives a standout performance as hardened outlaw Trudy Smith, a devilishly delightful villain to watch deal out death sentences.
The music is another highlight of the film, composed by Samuel in addition to his role as director and screenwriter. Though the setting is straight out of the 19th century, the score is definitively 2021. The adrenaline-pumping soundtrack complements the fast-paced narrative and exhilarating action sequences.
“The Harder They Fall” is very aware of its genre’s origins, both subverting and paying homage to western tropes. Over the two-hour and 19-minute runtime, there are more Mexican standoffs than you can shake a golden revolver at. Western film locales are all present with stunning set pieces in the sultry saloon, roaring train and vibrant town primed for a showdown.
At the same time, this isn’t the Old West of Clint Eastwood flicks. This is a new and more inclusive filmmaking frontier that resurrects Black historical figures into pop culture with a deliriously fun foray into one of cinema’s most pulpy genres.
The Netflix hit remains on the platform’s top 10 list for good reason. “The Harder They Fall” is the reigning king of the wild west.
