Old Henry
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 1, 2021
Genre
Western, Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Tim Blake Nelson as Henry McCarty
- Scott Haze as Curry
- Gavin Lewis as Wyatt McCarty
- Trace Adkins as Uncle Al
- Stephen Dorff as Ketchum
- Richard Speight Jr. as Dugan
- Max Arciniega as Stilwell
Director
Potsy Ponciroli
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Cold Feet (2019)
- Still the King (2016) (TV series)
Producer
Shannon Houchins
Mike Hagerty
John Matysiak
Tim Blake Nelson
Writer
Potsy Ponciroli
Budget
$1.5 million (estimated)
Production Company
Hideout Pictures
Shout! Studios
Running Time
99 minutes
Languages
English (Original)
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Language
- Intense scenes
Movie Story
Old Henry is a gripping Western thriller that follows the story of Henry McCarty (Tim Blake Nelson), a reclusive farmer living in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. Henry lives a quiet life with his teenage son, Wyatt (Gavin Lewis), on a small, remote farm. The film opens with Henry and Wyatt discovering a wounded man, Curry (Scott Haze), near their property, along with a bag full of cash. Against his better judgment, Henry decides to take Curry in and nurse him back to health, setting off a chain of events that will test his resolve and bring his dark past to light.
As Curry recuperates, he warns Henry that a group of outlaws, led by the ruthless Ketchum (Stephen Dorff), are coming for him and the money. Suspicious of Curry’s story, Henry prepares for the impending confrontation, fortifying his farm and arming himself. Wyatt, eager to prove himself, insists on helping his father, despite Henry’s attempts to shield him from the violence.
The film builds tension as Ketchum and his gang close in on the farm, leading to a violent and intense showdown. During the standoff, it becomes clear that Henry is no ordinary farmer. His skills with a gun and his strategic mind hint at a past life far removed from his current existence. As the battle unfolds, Henry’s true identity is revealed: he is actually the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid, who faked his death years earlier to escape his violent past and live a peaceful life.
The revelation adds a layer of complexity to Henry’s character, as he grapples with the return of his old life and the need to protect his son. The film’s climax sees Henry and Wyatt fighting side by side against Ketchum’s gang in a brutal and bloody confrontation. In the end, Henry must confront the legacy of his past, making a final stand to ensure his son’s future.
Old Henry is a taut, well-crafted Western that blends suspense, action, and character-driven drama. Tim Blake Nelson delivers a standout performance as Henry, embodying the role with a quiet intensity and depth. The film explores themes of redemption, identity, and the cost of violence, all set against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
Special Effects
Old Henry relies on practical effects and realistic gunplay to create its intense and gritty action sequences. The film’s use of practical stunts and effects enhances its authenticity, with shootouts and hand-to-hand combat scenes choreographed to emphasize realism and brutality. The cinematography captures the stark beauty of the Western landscape, using natural light and wide shots to create a sense of isolation and tension. The film’s visual style is grounded and atmospheric, contributing to the overall mood of the story.
Box Office Performance
Old Henry had a limited theatrical release, followed by availability on streaming platforms and video-on-demand services. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, praised for its strong performances, particularly Tim Blake Nelson’s portrayal of the lead character, and its engaging take on the Western genre. While it did not achieve significant box office numbers, Old Henry garnered attention as a standout indie Western, finding its audience through word-of-mouth and its digital release.
Filming Locations
- Watonga, Oklahoma, USA
- Wilson, Oklahoma, USA
Notable Quotes
- “I’ve been running from who I am for so long, I forgot who I was.” – Henry McCarty
- “Everyone’s got a past. And everyone’s got a price.” – Ketchum
- “A man does what he has to, to protect what’s his.” – Henry McCarty
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Potsy Ponciroli, known for his work in independent film and television, approached Old Henry with a focus on character and authenticity. Tim Blake Nelson, who also served as a producer, was deeply involved in the development of the film, bringing his experience and passion for the Western genre to the project. The film was shot on location in Oklahoma, with a small crew and budget, which contributed to its intimate and focused storytelling. The decision to reveal Henry’s true identity as Billy the Kid adds a layer of historical intrigue to the film, blending fact with fiction in a way that enriches the narrative.
Awards
- Won Best Narrative Feature at the 2021 Heartland International Film Festival
- Nominated for Best Actor (Tim Blake Nelson) at the 2021 Gotham Awards
- Nominated for Best Western Film at the 2021 Satellite Awards
Final Verdict
Old Henry is a compelling and intense Western that delivers both suspense and emotional depth. Tim Blake Nelson’s performance anchors the film, bringing complexity and gravitas to the role of Henry McCarty, a man haunted by his past. The film’s blend of gritty action, well-drawn characters, and a surprising twist on the Western genre makes it a standout in recent years. Old Henry is a must-watch for fans of Westerns and character-driven dramas, offering a fresh take on familiar themes while paying homage to the classic elements of the genre.
IMDb Rating
7.2/10