Directed by David Mackenzie, the narrative follows two brothers—played with raw intensity by Chris Pine and Ben Foster—who resort to robbing banks in a last-ditch effort to save their family’s land from foreclosure.
Their path collides with a seasoned Texas Ranger, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, whose pursuit adds layers of grit and moral complexity to the story.
Taylor Sheridan’s screenplay was widely acclaimed for its sharp dialogue and poignant exploration of economic despair, justice, and the fading promise of the American dream, painting a haunting portrait of a society on the edge.
Securing four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Bridges) and Best Original Screenplay, it established itself as one of the decade’s most acclaimed crime thrillers.
Several critics were left impressed by the film and its powerful direction.
One of the critics wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “There’s not a moment out of place, not a shot that stays too long. If [David McKenzie] makes a better film in his career, he’ll be lucky.”
Another added: “Scottish director David Mackenzie employs the keen eye of an outsider to evoke this very particular world. The film is firmly planted in reality, down to the smallest detail.”
A third chimed in: “Hell or High Water isn’t the kind of flashy film that arrived with a lot of fanfare and it certainly isn’t your average heist movie, it sneaks up on you and will surprise you with its grace and depth.”