The Kid Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young boy, on the run after a family ‘incident,’ stumbles into the Wild West’s most awkward historical road trip with Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett, proving that sometimes your personal drama is just background noise for a legendary manhunt.

🍿 The Kid: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Family Tragedy and Desperate Flight

The film opens in New Mexico Territory, 1880, introducing young Rio Cutler and his older sister Sara. After witnessing their abusive father brutally beat their mother to death, Rio intervenes, fatally shooting his father. This traumatic event forces the siblings to flee their home, becoming fugitives in the untamed West. Their vengeful uncle, Grant Cutler, who is furious over his brother’s murder and seemingly unconcerned with the abuse, begins a relentless pursuit. Rio and Sara attempt to make their way to Santa Fe, seeking refuge with a friend of their late mother, all while trying to evade their dangerous kin.

Entanglement with Outlaws and Lawmen

During their desperate journey, Rio and Sara inadvertently cross paths with the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid and his gang. Rio discovers a surprising connection with Billy, who reveals a similar past of killing in defense of his mother. Their encounter is short-lived as Sheriff Pat Garrett, relentlessly pursuing Billy, ambushes the gang. Following a tense shootout, Billy and his men are captured. Rio, fearing exposure for his own crime, attempts to remain hidden but ultimately emerges, leading Garrett to question him and Sara. Suspicious of their vague account of separation from their parents, Garrett decides to take the siblings along with his prisoners, intertwining their fate with that of the famous outlaw and the lawman.

A Quest for Rescue and Self-Discovery

As Billy the Kid is transported to Lincoln County for trial, Rio finds himself increasingly involved in the legendary cat-and-mouse game between Billy and Garrett. However, their immediate danger comes from Grant, who intercepts Sara in Santa Fe and abducts her, intending to force her into prostitution. Rio learns of Sara’s dire situation from a fellow prisoner and becomes desperate to save her. Believing Billy the Kid holds information that could lead him to Sara, Rio makes the perilous journey to Lincoln County, even orchestrating a bank robbery to get himself incarcerated and close to Billy. He hopes to enlist the outlaw’s help, facing a choice between following the path of an outlaw or finding his own moral compass.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rio Cutler (Jake Schur): The young protagonist who flees his home after killing his abusive father and becomes entwined in the conflict between Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett while trying to save his sister.
• Sara Cutler (Leila George): Rio’s older sister who escapes with him from their violent home but later falls victim to their vengeful uncle.
• Billy ‘The Kid’ Bonney (Dane DeHaan): The notorious outlaw pursued by Sheriff Pat Garrett, whose cynical perspective and actions influence Rio’s journey.
• Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke): The determined lawman tasked with capturing Billy the Kid, who eventually becomes an unlikely ally to Rio.
• Grant Cutler (Chris Pratt): Rio and Sara’s villainous and vengeful uncle who relentlessly pursues them after his brother’s death and abducts Sara.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy ‘The Kid’ Bonney: “This long, unendin’ thing of my soul. Maybe it’s my own damn fault what people think of me. Sometimes, when I’m alone, I get this feelin’, like nothing’s good or ever’s gonna be. And I try tellin’ myself the feelin’ ain’t real. I try. But..but deep down, I know. Guess that means ain’t no good moment I ever had weren’t a lie. You ever feel that way? The way, like the only reason you ain’t afraid what happens next is ’cause you know there ain’t nothin’ you can do for it to mean a goddamn thing.” – Billy shares his inner turmoil and nihilistic view of his life with Rio, reflecting on his reputation and despair.
• Billy ‘The Kid’ Bonney: “It’ll be tough to see me hang when you’re already dead.” – Billy confidently taunts Deputy Bob Olinger while incarcerated, foreshadowing his escape and Olinger’s demise.
• Pat Garrett: “It doesn’t matter what’s true, it matters the story they tell when you’re gone.” – Pat Garrett tells Grant Cutler that one’s legacy is defined not by truth, but by the narrative people choose to remember after their death.
• Sara Cutler: “It isn’t wrong being afraid, you have to keep trying and keep moving until you find some goodness in life.” – Sara encourages Rio to persevere despite fear, emphasizing the importance of continuous effort to find positive meaning in their challenging lives.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,508,593
• Worldwide Gross: $1,562,277

💥 The Kid Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘The Kid’ expecting another standard Western, but I was genuinely surprised! The grit and raw feel of the Old West really came through, and it didn’t shy away from the harsh realities. Ethan Hawke as Pat Garrett was just fantastic – he brings such a worn, weary depth to the lawman, and you really feel his struggle. But honestly, the biggest shocker was Chris Pratt. Seeing him play such a genuinely nasty villain was wild; he was almost unrecognizable and completely nailed it. The film made me think about survival and choices in a lawless time. It’s not a fast-paced action fest, but more of a character study that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gritty, realistic Western dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in reinterpretations of the Billy the Kid legend”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories with moral dilemmas”
  • “Fans of Ethan Hawke, Dane DeHaan, and Chris Pratt, especially those curious to see Pratt in a darker role”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic and brutal violence (including domestic abuse, stabbings, shootings)”
  • “Implied sexual exploitation and prostitution”
  • “Mature themes and strong language”
  • “Child endangerment and themes of trauma”

Professional Reviews

• FilmCritiques: “Vincent D’Onofrio’s ‘The Kid’ delivers a surprisingly raw and immersive Western experience. Ethan Hawke grounds the film as Pat Garrett, while Dane DeHaan brings a nuanced, almost philosophical edge to Billy the Kid. The real standout is Chris Pratt in a chillingly villainous role, shattering his usual comedic persona. While the dual narrative sometimes competes, the film’s unflinching portrayal of frontier life and its compelling performances make it a gritty, thought-provoking watch that defies genre expectations.
• MovieMetropolis: “‘The Kid’ promises a fresh take on the Billy the Kid legend but often loses its way in a tangled web of subplots. While visually authentic, D’Onofrio’s pacing can be glacial, and the decision to center the narrative on young Rio often sidelines the far more compelling historical figures. Despite solid efforts from Ethan Hawke and a surprisingly dark turn by Chris Pratt, the film struggles to find a cohesive voice, leaving viewers wishing for more focus on the iconic outlaw it ostensibly features.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were thrilled by Chris Pratt’s unexpected and intensely dark performance as the villain.: The film’s raw, authentic depiction of the Wild West and its morally complex characters resonated strongly with audiences who appreciated its departure from traditional Western tropes.

The complex relationship dynamics between Rio, Billy the Kid, and Pat Garrett captured the attention of many viewers.: Audiences consistently praised the strong ensemble cast, particularly the nuanced portrayals by Ethan Hawke and Dane DeHaan, which added significant depth to the historical figures.

Overall Consensus: While some found its narrative focus a bit scattered, ‘The Kid’ is generally lauded for its gritty realism, strong performances—especially Chris Pratt’s villainous turn—and a darker, more reflective take on the classic Western.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Vincent D’Onofrio, primarily known as an actor, also co-wrote and directed the film, and appeared in a small role as Sheriff Romero.”
• “The film notably features Jake Schur (son of producer Jordan Schur) as Rio Cutler and Leila George (daughter of director Vincent D’Onofrio) as Sara Cutler.”
• “Dane DeHaan’s initial appearance as Billy the Kid was deliberately posed to replicate the iconic 1880 tintype photograph of the real Billy the Kid, which is known for reversing his handedness due to the tintype process.”
• “A historical inaccuracy in the film is Pat Garrett referring to “the state of New Mexico” in 1880, when at that time, New Mexico was still a U.S. Territory.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Kid?

Released in 2019, ‘The Kid’ offers a gritty Western experience. You can typically rent or purchase the film digitally on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Vudu. For physical media collectors, it is also available on DVD and Blu-ray. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Kid, you might like these similar films:

• Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973): Explores the complex and tragic relationship between the same two historical figures, Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, central to ‘The Kid’.
• True Grit (2010): Features a determined young protagonist navigating a harsh Old West environment while seeking justice, similar to Rio’s journey and moral development.
• Hostiles (2017): A contemporary Western released around the same time, offering a similarly gritty and character-driven exploration of the American frontier’s difficult moral landscapes.
• Hell or High Water (2016): A critically acclaimed neo-western that captures the spirit of desperate outlaws and relentless lawmen, with themes of family, crime, and pursuit.
• Young Guns (1988): A popular and often-referenced take on Billy the Kid’s story, known for its ensemble cast and energetic, albeit romanticized, portrayal of the outlaw legend.

🛒 The Kid Related Products

• The Kid (2019) Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience Vincent D’Onofrio’s gritty Western drama in stunning high-definition. This collector’s edition includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, insightful cast interviews, and a director’s commentary that delves into the film’s authentic portrayal of the Old West.
• Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid: The Complete Saga (Paperback): Delve deeper into the true history that inspired ‘The Kid’ with this comprehensive historical account of the legendary lives and intertwined fates of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Features rare photographs and meticulous research, offering a factual counterpoint to the film.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 – PlayStation 4/Xbox One Digital Download: Immerse yourself in an expansive open-world Western adventure. Play as an outlaw on the run, experiencing the brutal beauty and harsh realities of the American frontier in a richly detailed narrative world with unparalleled realism and character depth.
• The Kid (2019) Official Theatrical Movie Poster Print: A high-quality, theatrical poster print featuring the striking key art from ‘The Kid,’ showcasing its unique visual style and atmospheric depiction of the Old West. Printed on premium paper, it’s ready for framing.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “The Ballad of the Tall Man” – performed by Ben Dickey

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Charlie Chaplin – The Kid – Pancake Scene

Ever wondered how the legendary Charlie Chaplin made breakfast? You’ve got to see this adorable ‘Pancake Scene’ from *The Kid*! It’s such a heartwarming and comedic glimpse into the unique bond between the Tramp and the boy.

Charlie Chaplin – The Kid – Fight Scene

Ready for some classic silent film action? Don’t miss this hilarious ‘Fight Scene’ from *The Kid*! Chaplin’s physical comedy here is just brilliant, proving that even a century later, his slapstick genius can still get you laughing.

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