A Nostalgic Reflection on “The Unholy Trinity”: An Underwhelming Western Revival
Reviving Old-School Westerns-A Double-Edged Sword
“The Unholy Trinity” serves as a nostalgic nod to a bygone era of filmmaking-an intentionally low-budget Western that harks back to the days when B movies were a staple of cinema programming, shown before the main feature or after the cartoon. Today, such films are often relegated to streaming platforms, and this particular entry feels like a relic better suited for digital release rather than theatrical grandeur. Watching it in a multiplex at full ticket prices is akin to a stagecoach robbery-an unnecessary expense for a film that feels undercooked and uninspired.
Setting the Scene in a Remote Montana Town
The film opens with a hanging, immediately establishing a gritty, lawless atmosphere. It then meanders into the fictional Montana mining town of Trinity, a dusty settlement where life revolves around gunfights and suspicion. Sheriff Gabriel Dove, portrayed by Pierce Brosnan, is a weathered lawman sporting a thick beard and an exaggerated Irish accent. His character embodies the archetype of the seasoned sheriff trying to maintain order amid chaos.
A young, naive newcomer named Henry Broadway, played by Brandon Lessard, arrives with a personal vendetta-seeking justice for his father, who was falsely accused and subsequently killed under suspicious circumstances. The sheriff, instead of condemning the boy outright, diffuses the situation and takes him under his wing, offering a convoluted history of the town’s violent past. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to discern who is responsible for the violence and why the characters are motivated to act.
Complex Characters and Cultural Tensions
Adding to the narrative tension is Running Cub, a stoic Blackfoot woman played by Q’orianka Kilcher, known for her role as Pocahontas in “The New World.” The townspeople are quick to suspect her of murder, driven by racial prejudice and fear. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson appears as St. Christopher, a mysterious figure who oscillates between aiding and obstructing both sides, effectively turning him into a wildcard whose true motives remain ambiguous.
Clichés and Conventional Tropes
The film is packed with familiar Western tropes: trigger-happy outlaws, saloons with swinging doors, and saloon girls. These clichés, once the backbone of Western storytelling, are here used as a superficial backdrop rather than a means to explore deeper themes about human nature and societal conflict. Unlike classic Westerns that used these elements to probe the tension between civilization and savagery, “The Unholy Trinity” merely employs them as set dressing for a lackluster action narrative.
Performance and Direction: A Mixed Bag
Brandon Lessard’s portrayal of Henry struggles to find coherence, as the screenplay by Lee Zachariah depicts him as a tenderfoot who quickly transforms into a sharpshooter-an unrealistic leap that undermines the character’s credibility. Director Richard Gray, known for “Murder at Yellowstone City,” keeps the story moving but fails to elevate it beyond a series of routine scenes. The film’s pacing is steady, but it never rises above mediocrity, lacking the spark that elevates a Western from mere genre fare to memorable cinema.
Standout Performances Save the Day
The film’s saving grace lies in the performances of Brosnan and Jackson. Brosnan, as the savvy sheriff, brings a measured energy and restraint that anchors the film, demonstrating how a seasoned actor can elevate material that might otherwise be forgettable. Jackson, on the other hand, fully embraces his role as St. Christopher, a cunning and morally ambiguous character who embodies the film’s most compelling qualities. His portrayal adds a layer of complexity absent from the rest of the cast, though it’s not enough to salvage the entire project.
Final Verdict: A Cautionary Streaming Choice
For viewers seeking a leisurely Sunday afternoon film, “The Unholy Trinity” might suffice as a streaming option. However, those interested in truly engaging Westerns should consider revisiting classics like John Ford’s “The Searchers,” which offers richer storytelling and deeper themes. This film, with its predictable plot and clichéd characters, ultimately leaves much to be desired.
Additional Details
Currently available in select theaters, “The Unholy Trinity” contains violence, language, and some sexual content. Its runtime is approximately 93 minutes. For a more insightful review and recommendations, visit Ty Burr’s Watch List at tyburrswatchlist.com.