Hostiles Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy Christian Bale has to take a Native American chief he hates on a road trip, picks up a traumatized Rosamund Pike, and they all learn to tolerate each other while fighting off everyone else who wants them dead, set against a backdrop of scenic vistas.

🍿 Hostiles: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Brutal Beginning

In 1892, Rosalee Quaid and her family are attacked by Comanche warriors on their New Mexico homestead. Her husband and children are brutally murdered, leaving Rosalee the sole survivor, traumatized and alone.

The Unwilling Escort

At Fort Berringer, Captain Joseph Blocker, a hardened and respected soldier known for his hatred of Native Americans, receives orders from President Harrison to escort the dying Cheyenne Chief Yellow Hawk and his family to their ancestral lands in Montana. Blocker reluctantly accepts the assignment under threat of court-martial and loss of his pension.

Joining Forces

Blocker’s detail includes his longtime friend Sergeant Thomas Metz, Corporal Woodson, Lieutenant Kidder, and Private DeJardin. Along their journey, they encounter Rosalee, and Blocker decides to take her with them for protection until they reach the next fort, knowing the area is crawling with hostile Comanche.

The Journey’s Hardships

The group faces numerous challenges including Comanche attacks, the complexities of escorting their former enemies, and the emotional toll of the violence and loss they witness. As they progress, Blocker begins to see Yellow Hawk and his family as more than just ‘savages’.

Loss and Transformation

The journey is fraught with death and hardship. Private DeJardin is killed in a Comanche ambush, and Corporal Woodson is severely injured. Rosalee’s presence begins to soften Blocker, forcing him to confront his deeply ingrained prejudices. The group dynamics shift, with unlikely alliances forming out of necessity and shared experience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Capt. Joseph J. Blocker (Christian Bale): A hardened Army captain, nearing retirement, who is forced to escort his long-time enemy, Chief Yellow Hawk, to his ancestral lands.
• Rosalee Quaid (Rosamund Pike): A traumatized widow who joins Blocker’s group after her family is murdered, struggling to cope with her loss and the harsh realities of the West.
• Chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi): A dying Cheyenne chief, a former enemy of Blocker’s, who seeks to return to his homeland to die peacefully.
• Master Sgt. Thomas Metz (Rory Cochrane): Blocker’s loyal friend and experienced sergeant, burdened by the weight of his past actions and the violence he has witnessed.
• Corp. Henry Woodson (Jonathan Majors): A dedicated soldier who serves alongside Blocker, providing unwavering support despite the moral complexities of their mission.
• Pvt. Philippe DeJardin (Timothée Chalamet): A young and inexperienced private whose idealism is shattered by the brutal realities of the frontier and the violence he encounters.
• Jeremiah Wilks (Bill Camp): The frontier correspondent for Harper’s Weekly advocating for a more humane approach towards the Apache tribe and had a role to play in convincing the President on the order.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rosalie Quaid: “Sometimes I envy the finality of death. The certainty. And I have to drive those thoughts away when I’m weak.” – Said while reflecting on her grief and loss after her family’s murder.
• Capt. Joseph J. Blocker: “We all got blood on our hands.” – Reflecting on the shared culpability and violence experienced by all involved.
• Capt. Joseph J. Blocker: “I do believe in the Lord. But he’s been blind to what’s been going on here for a long time.” – Blocker expresses his conflicted feelings about faith in the face of widespread suffering.
• Capt. Joseph J. Blocker: “It gets to where a man can get used to anything.” – Blocker, speaking about the numbing effect of violence and war.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $39,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $29,819,114
• Worldwide Gross: $35,669,017

💥 Hostiles Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Hostiles’ to be a really powerful and moving film, even though it was incredibly intense and at times, difficult to watch. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Captain Blocker was just outstanding. The movie made me really think about the complexities of the past and how it continues to affect us. The opening scene with the massacre of Rosalee’s family was shocking and heartbreaking, I was totally drawn into the story from that moment. The scenery was breathtaking. Overall a top-tier movie experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Western dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in historical conflicts and themes of redemption”
  • “Admirers of Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike’s acting”
  • “Those seeking a thought-provoking and visually stunning film”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Scenes of sexual assault”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing content related to historical trauma”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Hostiles is a beautifully shot but relentlessly grim Western that tackles themes of prejudice and redemption with a heavy hand. While the performances are strong, the film often feels overly deliberate in its pacing and message. The film’s exploration of violence and its impact is commendable, if not always entertaining.
• RogerEbert.com: “Scott Cooper’s ‘Hostiles’ is a brutal and unflinching look at the American West, showcasing the humanity and inhumanity of both settlers and Native Americans. Christian Bale delivers a powerful performance as a soldier forced to confront his own prejudices. This is not an easy film to watch, but it’s a rewarding one for those willing to engage with its challenging themes.
• Variety: “Hostiles is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant Western that explores the complex relationship between the U.S. Army and Native Americans in the late 19th century. The film benefits from strong performances by Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. However, the film’s slow pace and bleak tone may not appeal to all viewers.

Audience Reactions

Christian Bale delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that captivates the audience.: The movie’s strong performances and thought-provoking themes are widely praised.

The breathtaking cinematography and landscapes create a visually stunning experience.: The film’s visual beauty is a significant highlight for many viewers.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking Western with powerful performances, though its bleak tone and slow pace may not appeal to everyone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was found by the widow of the credited screenwriter Donald E. Stewart when she was moving houses. Stewart had died in 1999 and hadn’t sent the manuscript to any studios.”
• “Scott Cooper was chosen to direct based on his work in Crazy Heart and Out of the Furnace, films that showed his ability to handle complex characters and somber themes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hostiles?

Hostiles is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability and pricing. You may also find DVD and Blu-ray copies available for purchase online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hostiles, you might like these similar films:

• Unforgiven (1992): Deals with themes of violence, redemption, and the complexities of morality in the Wild West, similar to Hostiles’ exploration of these themes.
• Dances with Wolves (1990): Explores the evolving relationship between a soldier and Native Americans, offering a critical perspective on the historical treatment of indigenous peoples.
• The Searchers (1956): A classic Western examining racial prejudice and the psychological toll of violence, sharing thematic concerns with ‘Hostiles’.
• Wind River (2017): A modern thriller set on a Native American reservation, dealing with similar themes of violence, justice, and cultural conflict in a contemporary setting.

🛒 Hostiles Related Products

• Hostiles [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray, featuring stunning visuals and bonus content. A must-have for collectors of Westerns and Christian Bale fans.
• Hostiles Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Perfect for displaying your love for the film and adding a touch of Western aesthetic to your home.
• The American West: A New Interpretatio: A companion book for the Hostiles movie, which offers more background information and historical background on the era of the Native American wars.
• Frontier Outlaws – Western Action Game: An action-adventure game that offers a deep storyline, similar to Hostiles, where players navigate moral choices and harsh landscapes as they confront outlaws and navigate complex relationships with Native American tribes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hostiles features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” – performed by Jonathan Majors
• “Hostiles Theme” – performed by Max Richter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Christian Bale talks “Hostiles” and his new look

Christian Bale talks about his transformation into a grizzled Civil War veteran in “Hostiles.” He also shares his thoughts on the film’s message of reconciliation and redemption.

✨ Rate