The Kid
by Robbo
Posted on 30 April 2021
Rating -
The Kid is a 2019 American semi-biographical Western action film directed by Vincent D’Onofrio, from a screenplay by Andrew Lanham.
The film stars Ethan Hawke, Dane DeHaan, Jake Schur, Leila George, Chris Pratt, Adam Baldwin, and Vincent D’Onofrio.
Rio Cutler (Jake Schur) kills his drunk father one night in an unsuccessful attempt to save his mother from being beaten to death.
His uncle Grant Cutler (Chris Pratt) hears the gunshot, enters the house, and furious over his brother’s murder, he attacks the boy.
Rio stabs him in the face with a shard of glass and he and his sister Sara (Leila George) escape. She steals a horse and they take shelter in an abandoned shack.
When they wake, they are greeted by Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan) and his gang.
When one of the gang goes outside to check on the horses, he is shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke) and the posse who have the gang trapped in the shack. A gunfight ensues, and Garrett’s posse takes the gang prisoner.
Garrett agrees to transport Rio and Sara to Santa Fe where they run into Grant who kidnaps Sarah and leaves Rio behind.
Rio learns that Billy may know where Sara is so he travels to Lincoln County and assists Billy in escaping from the jail where he is being held awaiting trial.
They travel to a Mexican ranch where Billy’s girlfriend lives. Finding her pregnant, Billy reneges on the deal to help Rio find Sara.
Garrett arrives at the ranch, kills Billy and then is begged by Rio to help him find and rescue Sara.
Personally I love westerns and have seen many that cover the same subject of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.
This is an interesting take on the story, told through the eyes of 14 year old Rio.
Although the film is well acted, well directed and is overall enjoyable, it doesn’t really distinguish itself from other films that have come before.
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