Hostiles (2017)
Hostiles (2017)
Directed by: Scott Cooper
Starring: Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi, Rory Cochrane, Ben Foster
Genre: Western / Drama / War
Runtime: 134 minutes
Overview
Set in 1892, Hostiles follows Captain Joseph Blocker (Christian Bale), a hardened U.S. Army officer known for his deep hatred of Native Americans. When he is reluctantly assigned to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their homeland, he embarks on a treacherous journey across violent frontier lands.
Alongside a traumatized widow (Rosamund Pike), Blocker confronts both external threats and the emotional wounds of a life shaped by warfare and prejudice. The film explores themes of forgiveness, humanity, and the devastating legacy of conflict.
Highlights
Christian Bale delivers a powerful, introspective performance filled with emotional complexity.
Rosamund Pike adds raw vulnerability and strength to the story’s emotional core.
Striking cinematography captures the beauty and harshness of the American frontier.
Honest, unflinching portrayal of violence, trauma, and cultural reconciliation.
Slow-burning tension that builds into a deeply impactful conclusion.
VerdictHostiles is a gripping, character-driven Western — haunting, thoughtful, and beautifully crafted. It challenges the traditional hero narrative with a story that shows both the brutality and the possibility of redemption in a divided land.
Rating: 8.5/10
