The Harder They Fall (2021)

Jeymes Samuel’s beautifully shot Western is populated with colourful characters. But from Act 2 onwards, the story disappoints.

What is The Harder They Fall about?

Nat Love assembles his old gang to seek revenge on notorious outlaw Rufus Buck, who’s just been released from prison.

Where can you watch The Harder They Fall?

Netflix.

Trigger Warnings:

Violence. Sexual innuendos.

My review of The Harder They Fall

The story builds up beautifully in the first Act. The character introductions are stellar. But Act 2 meanders and loses the urgency and excitement that’s so tangible early on. 

The first Act (which has few gunfights and action, compared to the rest of the movie) is easily the most compelling. This is because Samuel unspools the characters’ personalities, motivations, the dynamics in the two opposing gangs, and Nat’s thirst for revenge so vividly and thoughtfully. The scene is set for a great story. And then, everything peters out. 

The resulting action is forgettable and the choreography mediocre. The plot points are contrived (that bank robbery is such a weak move). Everything fades to unoriginal and predictable storytelling, and it’s anticlimatic.

Jonathan Majors and Zazie Beetz in The Harder They Fall | from IMDB.com

However, I did love some aspects. The production and cinematography are breathtaking; literally, every frame is perfect. 

The cast is another highlight. I was excited to see Regina King, but ended up loving the performances from everyone else too.  Not only are the characters so clearly defined, but the actors and actresses are 100% suited to their individual roles and make every character memorable.

Have you seen The Harder They Fall? What did you think of it?