By Mr. Will Wong
Jeymes Samuel (who happens to be Singer-Songwriter Seal‘s brother), makes his a stunning directorial debut in THE HARDER THEY FALL, a slickly-stylized Western Action-Character Drama full of swagger and confidence.
The Film centers on Nat Love (Jonathan Majors) whom as a young boy sees his parents killed and his face disfigured after his father’s rival gang arrive at their home with an agenda to kill. He devotes his life to exacting revenge against this gang, led by Rufus Buck (Idris Elba), who is just released from prison. With his former lover Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz) no longer on speaking terms with him, Nat must rally allies and also his love to conquer Buck. They do however, have their work cut-out for them as Buck‘s gang are cold-blooded and ruthless.
If you love the work of Quentin Tarantino, THE HARDER THEY FALL it is fitting to say that this is an adoring love letter to him. Taking cues from Tarantino‘s use of hyberbolized violence, unconventional (for the period the Film is set) genres of Music, and precise, searing dialogue which gives us a rich understanding of these characters’ histories without showing them. Samuel crafts some intriguing characters who show us the true essence of what it is that drives them to bloody consequences. And that is love.
Sean Bobbitt and Mihai MÄlaimare Jr. illustrate Samuel‘s vision, taking on the ambitious task as Cinematographers. They punctuate the Film which already is carried by a brilliant Ensemble of Actors. Whether it be the firing of a gunshot and the ricocheting of its echoes, or the spurting blood that follows, the Duo have an amazing knack of drawing us that much deeper into the moment with their eyes for detail.
Majors evinces his ability to carry the Film as a leading man and this is a career-defining performance, but our eyes could not divert from the powerful female leads in the Film. Regina King as a Buck’s lover Trudy Smith, is ferocious and fearsome, unflinching as she is immersed in violence around her. The Oscar winner is a fascinating choice and we were floored. The same can be said of Beetz, who brings purpose to Nat’s action and without revealing too much, you will be floored by an action sequence between her and King in the final act. Jawdropping. The Film’s biggest revelation is Danielle Deadwyler, who brings an androgyny to Cuffee, strong and silent but all-seeing and all-knowing.
THE HARDER THE FALL is easy to fall for, packed with thrills, riveting action and fascinating characters that make this one of this Fall’s must-sees. How you can see it: Netflix streams it Wednesday, November 3, 2021 and it is now in theatres as follows:
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