A Western currently streaming in the UK for free has been hailed as an “overlooked” masterpiece and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. The Sisters Brothers (2018) is set in 1850s in the American West and tells the story of two brothers and feared assassins, Eli and Charlie Sisters (played by John C. Reilly and Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix, respectively) as they hunt a duo searching for a vast fortune.
Their targets are prospector Hermann Kermit Warm (Riz Ahmed) and lawman John Morris (Jake Gyllenhaal) who form an unlikely partnership to seek out the gold. The screenplay was based on Patrick deWitt’s novel of the same name, and was directed by Jacques Audiard, known for acclaimed flicks like A Prophet (2009) and Dheepan (2015).
One Audience Reviewer said: “Completely unique experience with the western style movie, curious transformation of the genre and breathtaking acting.”
Another added: “I found this 2018 sleeper by accident and was more than pleasantly surprised! Artfully crafted blend of raw human emotions in the extreme!
“Cast chemistry is flawless and the same can be said of the cinematography, soundtrack, and editing. It is sure to become a classic once more people find out about it!”
A third called it a “truly overlooked modern masterpiece.”
A fourth, who gave it a 4.5-star review said: “Slow burn and allows you to live in the character’s world. I enjoy those type of movies so that is why I rated it so high.
“Great acting and above average plot. Why can’t there be more movies like this instead of generic garbage.”
The film was praised by critics with a strong 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer (which reflects the percentage of critics who have given it a positive review).
The film is rated 15 and features gory images, strong violence, and language – so may not be for everyone.
The Sisters Brothers is streaming on BBC iPlayer now, free for anyone covered by a TV license.