Stephen King, the writer behind horror blockbusters such as It, The Shining, Pet Sematary, and Carrie, is no stranger to reviewing horror films. His most recent recommendation was for the 2015 Western horror movie Bone Tomahawk, which was helmed by S. Craig Zahler.
Stephen King Praises Bone Tomahawk as a Must-Watch Western Horror Film
Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk (2015). Image Credit: RLJE Films
Stephen King expressed his admiration for Bone Tomahawk, describing it as a film that exceeded his expectations. Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, the 2015 Western horror film marks Zahler’s debut and centers on an aging sheriff who leads a rescue mission to save three abducted townspeople, including the town doctor, from a cannibalistic Native American clan.
The film features a star-studded cast led by Kurt Russell, with notable performances from Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, Evan Jonigkeit, David Arquette, Zahn McClarnon, Sid Haig, and Fred Melamed.
Stephen King took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his glowing review of Bone Tomahawk. He expressed his surprise at the film’s quality, referring to it as “a low-budget Western epic” that is “well worth watching.“
BONE TOMAHAWK: I was expecting nothing but a time-passer on a rainy Wednesday morning, and got a low-budget Western epic. The dialogue alone makes it well worth watching. Beware the last act, when a man is literally torn apart.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 24, 2024
In his post, King did not shy away from mentioning the film’s intense scenes. He remarked, “I was expecting nothing but a time-passer on a rainy Wednesday morning, and got a low-budget Western epic. The dialogue alone makes it well worth watching. Beware the last act, when a man is literally torn apart.” This specific scene highlights the film’s brutal and graphic nature, contributing to its unique place within the Western horror genre.
Bone Tomahawk: A Modern Western Gem
Kurt Russell in Bone Tomahawk (2015). Image Credit: RLJE Films
Bone Tomahawk, a unique blend of Western and horror, has garnered significant acclaim since its release. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and bold directorial vision. While its slow-paced nature and unconventional genre fusion may not resonate with everyone, there’s no denying its impact on the modern cinematic landscape.
The film’s gripping plot revolves around Sheriff Franklin Hunt, a lawman striving to maintain order in a lawless frontier town. A series of unfortunate events, including a violent confrontation and a mysterious abduction, forces Hunt and his companions on a perilous quest. Their destination? A confrontation with a terrifying tribe of cannibalistic savages. Bone Tomahawk masterfully builds suspense and tension as the protagonists delve deeper into uncharted and horrifying territory.
Produced on a modest budget of $1.8 million, Bone Tomahawk premiered at the 2015 Fantastic Fest, known for its focus on genre films like horror. Despite its positive reception, the film struggled to secure a wide release and was distributed in limited theaters by RLJ Entertainment, earning just $475,846 at the box office. Nevertheless, it found greater success on digital platforms and video-on-demand, accumulating $4.32 million in home media sales.
Though it achieved more success in home media than in theaters, Bone Tomahawk remains relatively underseen. With any luck, King’s enthusiastic review will inspire more viewers to explore this distinctive Western horror film and contribute to its growing cult following.
