The Sisters Brothers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two assassin brothers chase a gold prospector, discover indoor plumbing, and then go home to their mom because…reasons.

🍿 The Sisters Brothers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Sisters’ Profession and Assignment

In 1851, Eli and Charlie Sisters are infamous hired guns working for a powerful and unseen figure known as ‘The Commodore.’ They are tasked with tracking down Hermann Kermit Warm, a prospector whom the Commodore accuses of stealing from him. The brothers are known for their ruthless efficiency and violent methods, but Eli is beginning to question their lifestyle.

Morris and Warm’s Alliance

John Morris, a private detective also in the Commodore’s employ, is tasked with locating Warm and holding him until the Sisters arrive. However, Morris befriends Warm and learns about his innovative method for finding gold using a chemical formula. Disgusted by the Commodore’s intentions and Warm’s idealistic dreams of a utopian society, Morris decides to betray his employer and help Warm.

The Chase and Changing Alliances

The Sisters pursue Morris and Warm across the Oregon desert. Along the way, they face various dangers and challenges that test their bond and force Eli to confront his growing moral doubts. Their pursuit leads them to Mayfield, a ruthless businesswoman who has her own designs on Warm’s gold-finding formula.

Gold Rush Ambitions and Consequences

The brothers eventually catch up to Morris and Warm, leading to a complex confrontation where alliances shift once again. They decide to work together to exploit Warm’s formula, hoping to strike it rich and change their lives forever. However, the chemical process proves dangerous, leading to tragic consequences for all involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Eli Sisters (John C. Reilly): A gunslinging assassin and the elder of the Sisters brothers who is beginning to question his violent lifestyle.
• Charlie Sisters (Joaquin Phoenix): The younger, more volatile of the Sisters brothers, known for his drinking and quick temper as a hired gun.
• John Morris (Jake Gyllenhaal): A private detective hired to track Hermann Kermit Warm who later has a change of heart.
• Hermann Kermit Warm (Riz Ahmed): A gold prospector and chemist who has developed a unique formula for finding gold, sought after by the Sisters brothers.
• The Commodore (Rutger Hauer): The wealthy and powerful man who employs the Sisters brothers as hired guns.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Morris: “I have travelled through places that didn’t exist three months ago. First tents, then houses, then shops, with women fiercely discussing the price of flour.” – John Morris reflects on the rapid changes and emerging civilization in the West.
• Eli Sisters: “I hate the Commodore.” – Eli expresses his growing dissatisfaction with his violent lifestyle and his employer.
• Hermann Kermit Warm: “My ultimate plan is to create a Utopian society, free from greed and other social ills.” – Warm reveals his idealistic vision that motivates his quest for gold.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $38,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,143,056
• Worldwide Gross: $13,143,056

💥 The Sisters Brothers Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! It’s not your typical Western, that’s for sure. The relationship between Eli and Charlie felt so real and complex. The scene where Eli discovers the toothbrush and is amazed was hilarious, and the ending, while bittersweet, was perfect. I felt such a strong emotional connection to these characters, and I think the strong performances, especially from John C. Reilly, really brought that to life. I didn’t think I’d tear up during a Western, but here we are.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Westerns with a unique and character-driven approach.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances and nuanced storytelling.”
  • “Those interested in films that explore themes of redemption and familial bonds.”
  • “Adults who enjoy a blend of dark humor and violence in a historical setting.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Themes of murder, death, and moral ambiguity.”
  • “Brief nudity and suggestive content in a brothel scene.”
  • “Depiction of animal harm (a horse on fire).”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A darkly comic and surprisingly poignant western that explores the bonds of brotherhood against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Reilly and Phoenix deliver career-defining performances.
• Variety: “Jacques Audiard brings a European sensibility to the Western genre, resulting in a film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. The performances are uniformly excellent, and the film’s exploration of morality is thought-provoking.
• The Guardian: “A stylish and well-acted western that ultimately lacks a compelling narrative drive. The film’s episodic structure and meandering plot prevent it from achieving its full potential.

Audience Reactions

The amazing cast brought this movie to life.: Viewers praised the performances of John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix, along with Jake Gyllenhaal and Riz Ahmed.

It was a refreshing take on the classic Western genre.: Many people found the movie’s unique blend of humor, drama, and violence to be a welcome change from traditional Western tropes.

Overall Consensus: A character-driven Western with strong performances, a unique tone, and striking visuals, though some viewers may find the pace slow or the narrative meandering.

Awards

1. César Award (Best Director)- 2019
2. César Award (Best Cinematography)- 2019
3. Lumières Award (Best Director)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Romania, France, and Spain to recreate the American West, as no filming took place in the United States.”
• “Director Jacques Audiard aimed to depict the harsh realities of life in the Old West, focusing on the grit and grime rather than romanticized portrayals.”
• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Canadian author Patrick deWitt, who is known for his dark humor and quirky characters.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Sisters Brothers?

The Sisters Brothers is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video with a subscription or for rent/purchase. It can also be found on Apple TV for rent or purchase. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services and physical media options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Sisters Brothers, you might like these similar films:

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969): A classic Western buddy film that explores the relationship between outlaws and the changing times.
• No Country for Old Men (2007): Features violence and moral ambiguity, with a focus on characters caught in situations beyond their control.
• Unforgiven (1992): A revisionist Western that explores the consequences of violence and the myth of the gunslinger.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Explores themes of ambition, greed, and the dark side of the American Dream in the early 20th century.

🛒 The Sisters Brothers Related Products

• The Sisters Brothers (Novel) by Patrick deWitt: Experience the source material! This critically acclaimed novel provides a deeper dive into the characters and story that inspired the film, delivering a unique reading experience.
• Western Movie Poster – The Sisters Brothers: High-quality print of The Sisters Brothers movie poster. Add a touch of Western to your home decor with this classic collector’s item. Perfect as a gift for film enthusiasts.
• Vintage Western Cowboy Hat: Authentic-looking cowboy hat to channel your inner Eli or Charlie Sisters. Made with durable materials and designed for both style and comfort. Available in various sizes.
• Colt 1851 Navy Revolver Replica: Non-firing replica of the Colt 1851 Navy Revolver, a common sidearm of the era. This detailed replica is perfect for display or cosplay, and adds a touch of historical authenticity to any collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Sisters Brothers” – performed by Alexandre Desplat
• “Leaving Oregon” – performed by Alexandre Desplat
• “Chemical Gold” – performed by Alexandre Desplat

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quickie: The Sisters Brothers #TIFF18

Ever wondered what the internet’s resident movie critic, YMS, thought about ‘The Sisters Brothers’? He delivers a quick, no-nonsense take in just 3 minutes! I personally found it to be pretty insightful – see if you agree!

✨ Rate