Cannibalism in the frontier? Yes! 5 day hike desert simulation? I don’t think so. The premise of Bone Tomahawk was actually interesting, but failed in the execution. Shocking moments couldn’t save the film. Directed by S. Craig Zahler (Dragged Across Concrete 2018, Brawl in Cell Block 99 2017) The title itself is cool and certainly catches one’s attention.

The cannibals, or the “Troglodytes” (cave dwellers) as they’re called in the movie had a sacred burial ground which was disturbed by a murderer/thief who fled to a small town. Unfortunately he was followed and abducted, together with other towns people. A group was formed to rescue those that have been kidnapped.

Characters

The casting were pretty heavy and a few of them really fit the part.

• Kurt Russell was born for a cowboy role, really blends into the frontier scene.
• I couldn’t convince myself of Patrick Wilson being a cowboy, but it was pleasant to see him being casted here.
• Matthew Fox as the “modern weapons dude” was great. Great performance and his character really stood out.
• I love Richard Jenkins, even if he’s always in a supporting role, his contribution and characters played is always iconic.

Creature design

The design of the Troglodytes was unique, though it wasn’t highlighted enough, like a zoomed in shot of their tusks protruding from their cheeks or whatnot. I also love the concept of them having sort of a whistle that’s poking out of their throats, and that’s what gives them that unique animal call, if you will. Also, their weapon of choice is… well… a Bone Tomahawk.

Great dialogue

Dialogue-wise, I loved it. The conversation were fluid, though there were at times some forced dialogue, but all in all, it was great.

Things I didn’t like

The one major thing that kept me from loving Bone Tomahawk was their journey from the town to the Troglodyte’s cave. And many other plot holes that doesn’t make any sense except to drive the story forward.

First, the journey was boring as hell. And after their horses got stolen, sheriff and the others went ahead of Patrick Wilson, said to leave 4 stones on the ground every now and then to mark their path.

• How the hell could Wilson have seen those stones in the big expanse of the desert, in the middle of the night, without source of light?
  Three people got abducted during the night.
• No one heard anything? Not even a loud bang, or a shout or something? Seems unlikely.
  The team trekked 5 days to get to the cave dwellers.
• So the cave dwellers, let’s say they did follow the thief to the town. Meaning they dragged those 3 full grown adult bodies for 5 days? With no horses?
  Save the best for last, Wilson’s character was a cripple.
• He was the last to arrive to the cave dweller’s place, and there were still around 7 Troglodytes in the area. Meaning he killed them all, miraculously. Without a scratch on him.

Iconic gore scene

Towards the end, Bone Tomahawk showed their one and only gore scene, which in hopes would make up for their 5 day desert simulation that I was talking about, unfortunately it didn’t. But to be fair, that scene was done tastefully, I loved it. I felt that knife on my forehead, and specially when they started splitting the boy in the middle. Another thing that stuck with me was the 2 pregnant women by the exit, their eyes impaled by wooden stakes, tongues cut out, all four limbs gone as well. So they’re just there, existing, for the sole purpose of giving birth for the Troglodytes.

Conclusion

Bone Tomahawk was an okay cannibal film set in the frontiers. The story was okay. Majority of the movie was a snooze fest. Loved the dialogue to be honest, great creature design as well. Not really pushing to recommend this one. I’d say its an acquired taste.