Badland

Badland is an intriguing Western period film released in 2019, offering viewers a unique take on the aftermath of the Civil War. The movie elegantly weds the vibes of classic westerns with contemporary storytelling, enveloping audiences into a captivating world of resolute lawmen, ruthless outlaws, tragic wars, and intricate plots of vengeance and redemption.

The story unfolds in the once volatile, now unsettlingly quiet years following the American Civil War. Amid this backdrop, the film introduces us to its enigmatic protagonist, played to perfection by Kevin Makely, who keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with his restrained intensity and layered performance. Makely portrays Mathias Breecher, a Pinkerton detective, a historical and reputable private security guard and detective agency established in the United States.

Hired by one of the first-ever African American senators, Breecher is on a mission. With the weighty responsibility of bringing to justice the most nefarious Confederate war criminals still at large, he traverses the traces of the devastated South and its Badlands—hence the title of the movie. This scenario expertly reincarnates the quintessential Wild West ambiance, exhibiting resilient settlers, quiet towns, dusty trails, rugged terrains and settlements striding towards rejuvenation. It’s in this situation that the Badland’s main plot unfurls, as Breecher confronts those who evaded the consequences of their grotesque past crimes.

What makes Badland unique is its ability to blend old-west scenery and a spaghetti-western feel with moral dilemmas, ambiguous characters, and complex narratives that reflect issues not entirely dissimilar from contemporary society. The annals of ruthless civil war criminals getting their comeuppance would naturally excite one to think of a fast-paced action thriller. Still, while there's no shortage of conflicts and gun battles in the movie, it offers much more than shallow brawls.

As Breecher goes about executing his mission, he is faced with an unexpected foe in the form of an enticing widow who brings forth a torrent of conflicting emotions. Adding another heaping pile onto the moral conundrum, Breecher finds himself profoundly entrenched in a physical and spiritual struggle that goes far beyond his original assignment. This is not just a fight for justice anymore; it’s a fight for discovering and preserving human goodness that seems to be receding in the post-war world.

Director Justin Lee cleverly uses the forbidding bleakness of the Badland settings as an allegory to the characters' mental and emotional state. It also keeps a tight reign on the narrative, deftly maneuvering it through some surprising twists and turns. The tight, lean story resists the temptation of unnecessary subplots that could distract from the main narrative, instead, focusing on the core themes of the narrative, like the pursuit of justice and the enduring shadows of war.

Badland also boasts stunning cinematography, capturing the harsh and eerie beauty of the Badlands, which further amplifies the atmospheric western ambiance. It accurately depicts the physical and emotional rawness of a post-war era where life has to be carved out from hard lands and even harder circumstances. This strong attention to detail in scenery and aesthetics allows the audience to be completely immersed in the era, engaging both their visual sense and emotional investment.

A stand-out feature of the film is the star-studded ensemble cast, including Mira Sorvino, Bruce Dern, Trace Adkins, and Wes Studi, each serving as sparkling additions to the gripping story. Their masterful acting adds depth to the story and stakes for the characters.

Badland pays homage to classic Westerns while also carving out its path. It's a gripping, tightly woven narrative that offers viewers a fresh perspective on the aftermath of one of the darkest periods in American history. The riveting performances, stunning cinematography, engaging characters, and an intense, morally challenging story make it a must-watch for any fan of the Western genre.