Despite getting off to a slow (wahey!) start, Slow West picks up pace as it craftily builds its world, tone and characters to culminate in a pulsating and well-earned finale.

That Slow West is the debut feature of writer/director John Maclean is incredible – both the script and direction could be the work of a veteran as he shows a strong awareness of the genre that he adheres to yet subverts in equal measure.

With some lovely location work, a uniformly stellar cast and a stunning colour palette, Slow West is an absolute treat regardless of your familiarity with the genre.

Punchy, wry and occasionally downright hilarious, Slow West manages to offer a fresh take on a well-worn genre, in which Smit-McPhee proves his worth as a leading man. Highly recommended.

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassbender, Ben Mendelsohn, Caren Pistorius

DIRECTOR: John Maclean

WRITER: John Maclean

SYNOPSIS: A young Scottish man travels across America in pursuit of his lady love, attracting the attention of an outlaw who offers to serve as his guide.

We greatly appreciate that a preview screening of Slow West was provided by Lionsgate UK and Substance Global.