Butcher’s Crossing Review: A Well-Rounded Cast Elevates Average Western

Butcher’s Crossing isn’t necessarily a straightforward Western but when it departs from that genre good things happen. Director Gabe Polsky (In Search Of Greatness), who wrote the script in partnership with Liam Satre-Meloy, brings John Williams’ (Stoner) book to life with aspects of both a thriller and adventure film. At no point does the script ever rise to anything above average. That being said, the cinematography by David Gallego (War Pony) portrays the American West in a way that makes the wide shots gorgeous. Led by The White Lotus’ Fred Hechinger and the always reliable Nicolas Cage, Butcher’s Crossing has no weak links in its casting but its story and execution won’t wow audiences.