The Outlaws Review: The Western genre has been a staple of cinema for decades, celebrated for its portrayal of the expansive frontier, the fierce independence of early settlers, and the idea that security and justice are as reliable as one’s ability to shoot. The genre’s most intense moments often unfold beyond the reach of the law, especially among outlaws who turn to violence when cornered. The Outlaws, directed by Joey Palmroos and Austen Paul, captures this intense dynamic by focusing on a group of outlaws who execute a train heist only to face betrayal from one of their own.
At just under 80 minutes, The Outlaws is a concise and intense story marked by deep mistrust among its characters, built around a straightforward but gripping premise. In an era of excessively long films, this brevity is a significant advantage. The film’s tight narrative allows each character to have their moment in the spotlight and avoids the additional elements that often dilute other films and TV series. However, the characters could benefit from greater depth, and the story occasionally feels too thin, which impacts the film’s emotional resonance. Although it has strong components, The Outlaws would be more compelling with further development.
About The Outlaws (2024)
Set in the Wild West, the film revolves around a group of outlaws who, after a failed train robbery, begin to turn on each other to find out who among them stole the gold. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival are central to the story.
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Directors: Joey Palmroos, Austen Paul
Cast: Eric Roberts, Liam James Collins, Dallas Hart, Arthur Sylense, Jonathan Peacy, Jeremiah Crosby, Mason Greer, Celeste Wall
Runtime: 78 Minutes
Writers: Anders Holmes, Joey Palmroos, Austen Paul
Plot Overview
The film follows four outlaws—Wild Bill Higgins (Arthur Sylense), Boone Collins (Jonathan Peacy), Henriette Parker (Celeste Wall), and J.T. Tulsa (Dallas Hart)—who, after successfully robbing a train, must confront their mutual distrust when the gold mysteriously vanishes. Initially set to meet Wild Bill’s father, “Bloody Tom” Higgins (Eric Roberts), the group finds themselves in a tense situation as they try to identify the thief without resorting to violence or falling victim to external threats.
Westerns are ideal for exploring themes of distrust and betrayal among criminals, a concept recently showcased in Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight. In the absence of traditional societal structures, trust among outlaws is scarce. The Outlaws captures this classic Western theme with a streamlined approach. However, does it succeed?
‘The Outlaws’ Offers a Streamlined Yet Shallow Look at Western Paranoia
From the beginning, the tension between the outlaws is evident. Jonathan Peacy stands out as Boone, a memorable and suspicious figure, while Arthur Sylense effectively portrays Wild Bill’s intimidating leadership. Celeste Wall adds a distinct charisma to Henriette. Eric Roberts makes a notable appearance as Bloody Tom, quickly establishing his menace and motivations. The film benefits from well-placed flashbacks that enrich the story, adding depth to the characters and fueling ongoing conflict and paranoia.
The film also includes creative elements, such as a black-and-white flashback that nods to earlier Western films and Tarantino-esque title cards. These features add depth and variety to the story without overstaying their welcome.
Challenges of Depth and Development in ‘The Outlaws’
While the film’s simplicity and focus work well for its narrative, they also limit its depth. The characters, though interesting, lack significant development beyond their primary issue. The film presents them with one-dimensional traits, reducing their complexity. More nuanced exploration of the characters could enhance emotional engagement and overall impact. A few additional minutes dedicated to character development could have made a substantial difference.
‘The Outlaws’ Remains a Worthwhile Western
Despite its limitations, The Outlaws has notable strengths. It maintains a tight focus on its core narrative and successfully creates engaging tension and paranoia among its characters. While its brevity is commendable, additional layers could have enhanced the film. It’s an enjoyable Western that delivers on its primary premise but would benefit from a more developed story and characters.