The Thicket (2024) is a Western thriller directed by Elliott Lester, adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s 2013 novel. Set in early 20th-century West Texas, the narrative follows Jack Parker (Levon Hawke), a devout Christian teenager whose sister, Lula (Esme Creed-Miles), is abducted by the notorious outlaw Cut Throat Bill (Juliette Lewis) and her ruthless gang. Determined to rescue Lula, Jack enlists the help of Reginald Jones (Peter Dinklage), a cynical bounty hunter, and his companion Eustace (Gbenga Akinnagbe), an ex-slave. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through treacherous landscapes, confronting relentless adversaries and their own moral dilemmas.

The film delves into themes of survival, redemption, and the formation of unconventional alliances. Dinklage delivers a compelling performance as Jones, portraying a hardened gunslinger with a complex past, while Lewis embodies the menacing and unpredictable Cut Throat Bill. The stark, wintry cinematography enhances the film’s bleak atmosphere, reflecting the harsh realities of frontier life. Despite its engaging character dynamics and immersive setting, some critics have noted that the film’s somber tone and unrelenting brutality may not appeal to all audiences.