While people continue to increase Disney's share of cinema with CGI infested blockbuster films, me and @irial decided to go to a more arthouse cinema chain known as Curzon, which tends to display more independent titles, alongside the odd blockbuster.
One of the more independent titles was The Sister's Brothers, something I hadn't heard of at all prior to checking out what the cinema was currently showing. I was a bit sceptical of it, due to that nature of having absolutely zero prior knowledge. Typically I read up a few things beforehand, but we didn't have time, and the other options were a bit more lacking.
With no idea as to what to expect, whether the film would be a comedy, thriller, or your typical western, we booked tickets, grabbed a few beers, and returned later for the viewing.
The Sister's Brothers started off strong. Loud gunfire and sparks reaching far across the screen, very realistic and harsh action that seemed to grasp firmly onto your attention as it introduced its two main characters: two hired guns, going by the name of The Sister's Brothers. With skills in what they do, they come off strong, prepared, and a threat to those who step in their way.
Throughout the film, we learn none of this is true. They're dysfunctional brothers with a tough past, and seemingly more troublesome future. One brother (John C. Reilly ) seems tired, and wanting out of this life to settle down and live life as it should be: in peace. The other (Joaquin Phoenix), stuck in this rain of gunfire and death believes he's destined to continue being a hired gun until one day his life is claimed by it, like those who he comes up against often enough.
The narrative begins to follow the brothers on their mission to accompany another freelancer (Jake Gyllenhaal) in stealing a poor man's formula which provides a massive increase in profitability with mining gold. Upon the realisation that they can escape this life and make an incredible fortune, the brothers push on with the job, uncertain as to whether they'll follow through with the job or use it for their own personal gain.
The film eventually becomes a question of morality, wanting simplicity in life and escaping your past to improve the present and the future. It puts a twist on the typical 'cat and mouse' western trope and mixes in little hints of comedy to lighten up the more darker tones within its narrative.
Beautifully shot, the action feels realistic, full of danger and weight. Each gunshot feeling like a huge punch to the air with amazing sound design. The directing feels fresh and uses various techniques that amplify the western aesthetic. Low light conditions, big wide shots within towns to capture as much detail as possible; the same for the wide shots taken in landscape scenes.
I highly recommend the film, especially if you're tired of most westerns and looking for something new within the genre. It feels fresh, and there's enough snippets of different genres within the film to keep you entertained. It holds enough weight in terms of quality to stand among bigger films, despite the fact that it appears to have been heavily overlooked.
