Peter Dinklage stars in a gripping period thriller where he relentlessly pursues a ruthless Juliette Lewis in a tale of survival and vengeance. Adapted from Joe R. Lansdale’s celebrated novel, “The Thicket” takes no prisoners in its icy, unforgiving landscape, presenting a stark reality where only the strongest survive. As a desperate man embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his kidnapped sister from a notorious bank robber, the darkest facets of human nature are laid bare, showcasing a brutal struggle between honor and villainy.

Set against the unforgiving backdrop of the Wild West, “The Thicket” follows a disparate group of individuals, including an ex-slave and a hardened bounty hunter, as they track down the elusive killer known as Cutthroat Bill. Their treacherous journey leads them into the hostile terrain aptly named “the thicket,” where danger lurks at every turn.

Release Date: September 5, 2024
Director: Elliott Lester
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Juliette Lewis, Esme Creed-Miles, Levon Hawke, Macon Blair
Runtime: 1h 48m
Writers: Chris Kelley, Joe R. Lansdale
Studio(s): Orogen Entertainment

At the dawn of the 20th century in Eastern Texas, teenager Lula Parker (Esmé Creed-Miles) grieves the loss of her parents to a devastating smallpox epidemic. As she and her older brother Jack (Levon Hawke) await their grandfather for the funeral, their world is further shattered by the arrival of Cutthroat Bill (Lewis), a notorious outlaw with a scarred face and a chilling presence. Bill disrupts another funeral with her menacing gang, setting off a chain of violent events that culminates in Lula’s abduction.

In the aftermath, Jack pleads for help as an enraged posse seeks to execute one of Bill’s accomplices. Determined to save his sister, Jack offers a substantial reward for Bill’s capture. This promise catches the attention of Eustace Howard (Gbenga Akinnagbe), a former slave, and his partner Reginald Jones (Peter Dinklage), a grizzled bounty hunter. Together, they embark on a harrowing mission to rescue Lula from Cutthroat Bill’s clutches.

Cutthroat Bill’s sadistic tendencies are revealed as she collects beautiful girls for sinister purposes. She warns the terrified Lula that in their brutal world, beauty is a liability. Isolated and vulnerable, Lula must navigate the dangerous whims of her captor while facing the lecherous advances of Bill’s gang.

Juliette Lewis delivers a career-defining performance as Cutthroat Bill, portraying a character of profound complexity and volatility. Her portrayal oscillates between explosive violence and moments of unsettling vulnerability, shaped by her own traumatic past. The dynamic between Lewis and Creed-Miles is captivating, adding depth to their fraught relationship.

Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Jones is equally compelling. Despite his rough exterior and mercenary motivations, Jones reveals a compassionate side as he mentors the naive Jack, who struggles to grasp the true meaning behind his religious convictions. Jones’s backstory unfolds gradually, showing a man hardened by life yet driven by an intrinsic desire to do good.

Director Elliott Lester masterfully captures the harsh realities of survival in this unforgiving landscape. The brutal winter conditions become an additional antagonist as both Cutthroat Bill’s gang and Jones’s determined group contend with hunger, cold, and the constant need for shelter. The urgency to rescue Lula before her tracks are obscured by snow heightens the tension throughout this intense narrative.

“The Thicket” stands as a formidable cinematic achievement, delivering a raw and unrelenting experience that lingers long after the final frame. Its only flaw is that its runtime leaves audiences craving more of its richly developed characters and gripping storyline. This western thriller is a testament to the power of storytelling and character development.

“The Thicket” will be released theatrically on September 6th by Samuel Goldwyn Films and is produced by Tubi Films, Nomadic Pictures, Estuary Films, and Next Production.