Quick Info
Slow West is this odd, quietly compelling Western from 2015 that flew under the radar but really deserves a look. It follows a young, naive Scotsman as he travels across dangerous American frontiers to find the woman he loves, with a mysterious gunslinger (played by Michael Fassbender) as his reluctant guide. The atmosphere is almost dreamlike at times—lots of beautiful widescreen shots and an off-kilter sense of humor that kept me guessing where it would go next.
The standout here is definitely the tone. It’s got bursts of violence and dry comedy, but it all feels so restrained and a little melancholy, which is different from the usual shoot-’em-up Westerns. Fassbender’s character is the perfect mix of tough and quietly tragic, and the two leads have an awkward but interesting chemistry. The supporting cast (especially Ben Mendelsohn in a wild fur coat) makes the wild West feel even more unpredictable.
What didn’t quite land for me was that sometimes the story felt a little too minimal—like there were big gaps that could have used more filling in, or relationships that deserved more time to breathe. Still, if you’re into Westerns with a twist and don’t mind something that’s more contemplative than action-packed, Slow West is worth your time. It’s one of those films that stick with you after it’s done, even if you’re not sure why.
