Saddle Up And Protect The Homestead In Our Review Of "PLACE OF BONES" (2024)
Westerns seem to be having a renaissance, depending on your view of the genre, that’s either a good thing or something you’re entirely indifferent to. At their best, Westerns are small stories told in epic ways where character and morality are always in the grey and survival is unpredictable. The best Westerns speak to the juxtaposition of integrity and ignorance in the face of lawlessness for a land too large to oversee effectively. The sense of duty and honor often a hallmark of the genre is also lifted directly from the Samurai films in Japan that preceded them, much like how The Mandalorian has done for many of their episodes. This resurgence of Western nostalgia has also given us the chance to see these classic stories from different perspectives, which is the case with “Place of Bones”, the newest Western Thriller from The Avenue and Director Audrey Cummings. Does it challenge and expand the genre, or is it just a hitch in the giddyup?
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
1876. A mother and daughter, alone on a remote ranch, fight for survival against a gang of ruthless outlaws.
HOW IS IT?
As fans of Westerns, the idea of them getting more representation again is exciting but also worrisome. Much like the Horror genre, Westerns range wildly in quality and can feel worn out or redundant. This matters little to fans of the films, but even the die-hards will acknowledge that the gap between the greats and not-so-greats is filled with a lot of so-so movies that do some things right while still making some pretty big misses. “Place of Bones” is very much in that middle section, which is not to say the movie is bad as much as it doesn’t offer anything unique or innovative in its approach. With solid directing and admirable performances, it is ultimately the script that drags this homestead down.
Pandora (Heather Graham) and Hester (Brielle Robillard) live alone in a secluded home built by the hands of themselves and their deceased husband/father. Their small slice of tranquility is disrupted by the arrival of a wounded bandit, Calhoun (Corin Nemec) who becomes their reluctant houseguest after losing his leg to infection. Pandora is resilient and resourceful, always mindful to ensure Hester speaks correctly and with dignity. Graham and Robillard have great chemistry in the film, and their relationship is one of the stronger aspects of the production. Nemec is entertaining as the wise-cracking and rough-around-the-edges outlaw whose performance occasionally veers into caricature without going over the deep end. The cast of outlaws tracking down Calhoun are the same archetypes you’ve seen before, and to some extent that is what holds “Place of Bones” back. It doesn’t try to add a signature to the story so much as it just retreads well-worn ground. Pandora is an interesting character and a welcome departure from the standard desolate cowboy. Pandora is tough, rational, and vigilant, even if the performance doesn’t fully demonstrate it. Especially with an ending that robs her of some glory for the sake of a “surprise” twist.
Speaking of the ending, and the pacing of the film as a whole, it wraps up so quickly and with such little fanfare that by the time the credits roll you feel as though you missed something. Some of this has to do with the very long lead-up to the forecasted confrontation in the synopsis. So much about “Place of Bones” hinges on the Assualt on Precinct 13-style showdown at the end, but it takes all of 15 minutes and is quite anti-climactic. Ironically, it isn’t fair to say that “Place of Bones” is boring given that it is shot with beautiful precision making good use of the perfect desert location, which may be more Western ASMR than anything else. So much time is spent in the story talking about what’s coming and by the time it does we are left wanting, which brings me back to the script. So much of the pacing and action could’ve been solved in the script by moving the action up sooner than the last half of the third act and doubling down on the brutality. Despite being told danger is en route, nothing ever feels dangerous and the stakes never seem high enough. There are moments when we see Pandora’s crazed-hopeless look, but it isn’t consistent and never goes beyond a growl to a full-on bite. All in all, “Place of Bones” gets the character development and aesthetic right, but doesn’t deliver fully in the story department.
LAST RITES
“Place of Bones” gets a lot right about what makes a good Western with an interesting lead character, skillful direction, and fitting production design. The lackluster payoff and meandering pacing ultimately don’t live up to the potential established, but it is worth your time if you’re a fan of westerns like we are!
THE GORY DETAILS
Directed By
Written By
Starring
Where can you watch it?
The Avenue will release Place of Bones in theaters and digital on August 23, 2024!
Stay up to date with “The Dark Side Of Pop Culture” by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
