A breathtaking first feature from John Maclean, formerly of The Beta Band, Slow West is a stately, psychedelic western in the mould of Dead Man and Peter Fonda’s majestic The Hired Hand. Michael Fassbender stars as a lone outlaw leading, or so he hopes, a young rich kid (Smit-McPhee) to safety across dangerous terrain. Fassbender is, as ever, terrific, giving his role characteristic vigour and Ben Mendelsohn has a small but pivotal role as a fellow tracker. Brilliantly weird and wonderful, Maclean is a one off original.
“This terrific film is actually tense, twisty and brilliant.” 4/5
The Guardian
“John Maclean’s impeccably crafted writing-directing debut at times has a distinctly Coen-esque flavor in its mix of sly intelligence, bleak humor and unsettling violence, exuding fierce confidence even when these qualities don’t always cohere.”
Variety
“Maclean has made a Western of such confident ease that it’s hard to believe this is the director’s first feature film.” 4/5
Empire
“That magical combo: a debut feature that knows exactly where it’s going and leaves you wanting more.” 4/5
Little White Lies