Fans have hailed a neo-Western thriller as “underrated yet fabulous” with its two main stairs praised for their “superb” performances. The Highwaymen (2019) is based on real events, dramatises the story of two Texas cops Frank Hamer (played by Kevin Costner) and Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) who sought to take down infamous American outlaws Bonnie and Clyde.
The film, directed by John Lee Hancock Jr, got a mixed reception from critics, and currently has only a 58% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer (which reflects the percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given it a positive review). However, fans hold it up as a modern classic, with one Audience Writer on the platform writing: “This is an underrated yet fabulous movie.
“Costner and Harrelson do a phenomenal job bringing the other side of the Bonny and Clyde story to life. Well done.”
Another said the film is “one of the most perfect” they’ve “ever seen”. “I was mesmerized by every aspect of the film!,” they added.
“The lead actors are perfection. Every detail drew the viewer in. I was there; I was on the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde.”
A third added: “The Highwaymen is a sometimes slow but superbly acted movie from Netflix starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson telling the story of how Bonnie and Clyde were finally taken down.
“Worth your time if you’re into movies about American history.”
A fourth praised the contrasts between Hamer and Gault, saying the film was fanatastic “largely thanks to its two main characters”.
“I absolutely loved how different they are from each other, yet they complement each other so well,” they continued.
“Their dynamic is both compelling and heartfelt, making them incredibly endearing.
“The way they work together, despite their contrasting personalities, adds a unique layer to the film and makes their journey even more enjoyable to watch.”
The film’s more positive reception among Audience Reviewers is reflected in its 75% score on the site’s Tomatometer (which reflects the percentage of users who rated it 3.5 stars or higher).
The Highwaymen is streaming on Netflix now.