From writer / director Jeymes Samuel brings us The Harder They Fall. A story about outlaw Nat Love (Jonathan Majors: Da 5 Bloods, Loki, Captive State) who discovers his enemy Rufus Buck (Idris Elba: The Suicide Squad, Avengers: Infinity War, The Dark Tower) will soon be released from prison. Nat rounds up his old gang, to track down and meet out revenge in Rufus.
Riding with Nat is: Stagecoach Mary (Zazie Beetz: Joker, Deadpool 2, Geostorm), a former love interest of Nat; Right and left hand men Bill Pickett (Edi Gathegi: ) and fast draw Jim Beckwourth (R.J. Cyler: Black Lightning, War Machine, Power Rangers) who is always up for a duel challange.
Nemesis Rufus Buck has hardened and fearsome crew of his own, among them are “Treacherous” Trudy Smith (Regina King: The Strain, 24, Planes: Fire & Rescue) and Cherokee Bill (LaKeith Stanfield: Knives Out, Death Note, War Machine), a group that are determined to come out triumphant.
The Harder They Fall is full contains a great deal of excitement, peppered with some well orchestrated gun fights while tempered with times of talk and negotiation. The various characters offer up moment of humour, usually at the most inopportune times, much akin to the action hear one-liners of the 80s action films we all remember with much nostalgia.
That nostalgia doesn’t end with a reminder of 80s action films, but travels further back to the great spaghetti westerns of decades prior, and yet The Harder They Fall bring it’s own uniqueness to the genre.
Let us know overlook a big point of The Harder They Fall, black cowboys (and gals). In the days of the wild west, there were indeed many, and their stories have mostly been overlooked, forgotten to the annuls of time. The Harder They Fall creates an ensemble of characters, drawing on those black cowboys and cowgirls, while not pushing any political agenda. The film covers these stories in an open, enjoyable, and entertaining way.
The multi-talented ensemble cast bring a prescience to the film through their characters, finding the right balance between deadpan hero, outlaw villain, and that of someone going about their life in a dangerous time.
The Harder They Fall is a fun western, with a story that transcends any time or place, at it’s core, revenge and loyalty are a balance we have all encountered many times. The film is certainly one for a broad audience, with enough action, love, humour, and drama for everyone. While there are times in the film where it feels as if there is a certain “something” lacking, there is no doubt about the talent and escapism to experience.
The Harder They Fall is directed by Jeymes Samuel, written by Samuel and Boaz Yakin, produced by Shawn Carter, James Lassiter, Lawrence Bender and Jeymes Samuel. The film has a pumping soundtrack and stellar cast cast, including Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, R.J. Cyler, Damon Wayans Jr., Deon Cole with Regina King and Idris Elba. Revenge has never been served colder.
The Harder They Fall debuts on Netflix 3 November 2021
