When critics and audiences look back at the 2017-18 awards season, this Western will be the film they grossly underestimated.

Christian Bale gives his best performance since his Oscar-winning turn in The Fighter. His quiet gravitas and screen presence as Army Captain Joseph Blocker is captivating.

He is tasked with escorting a notorious Cheyenne chief and recently-released killer across dangerous turf to safety.

Rosamund Pike, Rory Cochrane (yes, from Dazed & Confused), Jesse Plemons and this year’s breakout star Timothee Chalamet all turn in highlight-reel performances.

But it’s Adam Beach, in his first big major film role in a while, who truly stuns.

It’ll twist you up inside, and it’s not for the faint of heart. But it’s one of the most affecting flicks you’ll see this year.

4/5 Stars