Note: It’s important to keep in mind the tragedy that occurred on the set of Rust. Condolences to Halyna Hutchins and all those who loved her. This film was finished and edited likely with the idea to honor her contributions as much as possible. The film is dedicated to her memory and credit her alone both right after the director’s credit and before the cinematographer who finished the film.

A young teenager named Lucas is still trying to take care of his late parents’ ranch. However, it is quickly becoming clear that he will no longer be able to support them. As he tries to protect himself and his younger brother, he picks a fight with another boy and breaks his arm. With problems with the family, a tragedy strikes as he accidentally shoots the father while chasing a wolf, leading to a death sentence. This makes him cross paths with the grandfather that he’d never met, Harland Rust, and now the two of them must make a long journey across the West, bound only by blood and a need to outrun the law.

In Rust, the cinematography does stand out. Using the vastness and majesty of the landscapes with its mountains and long fields to capture these characters in lots of natural light, the film manages to use the light in creative ways to show characters both indoors and outdoors. The editing, while perhaps trying to keep as much of Halyna’s contributions as possible, does make the film longer. Some scenes you feel could have been cut and, while no scene feels like it has unneeded or odd cuts, the overall pacing is lengthened by long scene after long scene. 

Alec fits the role well, bringing attention to his age while still being able to exude that storied charisma that has made him a mainstay in Hollywood and been the main feature of his iconic roles such as Glengarry Glen Ross and 30 Rock. They focus on subverting western tropes with an older man who is still the smartest and sharpest of the bunch. He’s a bounty hunter with a child who relies on forensic evidence, instead of a straight wandering and chasing. The young boy who, while smarter in some respects, is still learning. They try admirably to play with the western vernacular and use it in some humorous moments. However, overall, the dialogue does indulge in banter a bit too long and it doesn’t often serve the story or character as efficiently.

The film highlights the sorrow of the Old West. There’s a chaos and vigilantism that is highlighted but also becomes a tragic instigator of loss for many of the characters in the film who have been beaten down. Harland represents a person who decided to embrace all of the hurt and chaos by being above it, mastering it through his skills as a bandit. However, now faced with a real relationship with Lucas, he has something to protect other than his own life. Now, he must rise to the occasion and is tasked to put everything on the line, to have someone carry his legacy for better or for worse. For Lucas, it is a coming of age experience where he is both faced with the harshness and brutality of a journey across the United States but also to be relieved of acting the head of the clan as he becomes the student and child with Harland by his side. Both men head into a journey needed in their lives and how they come out depends on their bond in the face of a seemingly Godless and uncaring West.

Rust is in theatres on May 9th, 2025.