Have you ever wondered what it takes for a movie to make it to the big screen? Well, let me tell you — it’s not always easy! Some projects take years to come to life, and others never make it at all. But The Thicket is a different story. After a decade in the making, this movie finally hit US theaters thanks to Tubi.
Based on Joe R. Lansdale’s bestselling novel, which was praised as one of the best historical fiction books of 2013, The Thicket is a must-watch. Want to know more about this movie and its journey to the big screen? Keep reading for all the juicy details!
What is the Book The Thicket About?
The Thicket by Joe R. Lansdale is a gripping novel, set in the rural area of Idaho. The Halloween attraction called the Thicket is famous for its haunted trails and mazes. It draws teenagers and thrill-seekers from all over the Northwest and is even ranked as one of the top Halloween attractions in the U.S. People come from far and wide to experience its spooky fun.
Advertisement But one night, the excitement at the Thicket turns into terror. During the event, two people are murdered at the attraction. This tragic incident changes the Thicket from a popular and fun place into a site of shocking crime and fear. The once-celebrated attraction now faces a dark and unsettling reality.
What’s the Synopsis of The Thicket?
The Thicket is based on the 2013 novel by Joe R. Lansdale. In the film, bounty hunter Reginald Jones (played by Peter Dinklage) is hired by a young man named Jack (Levon Hawke) to find his kidnapped sister, Lula (Esmé Creed-Miles). The kidnapper, known as ‘Cut Throat Bill,’ is portrayed by Juliette Lewis. Her performance brings a Western feel to the role. As they search for Lula, they discover that their journey is about more than just money.
While the novel focuses more on mystery and suspense, the film blends action with quieter moments where the characters plan their mission. The story also explores themes of morality and personal growth.
Here’s the official synopsis for The Thicket:
In West Texas, a boy whose sister has been kidnapped by a ruthless killer named Cut Throat Bill turns to a tough bounty hunter, Reginald Jones. Reginald leads a group of outcasts in the search for the missing girl.
When Is The Thicket Releasing?
The Thicket debuted in the US on Friday, September 6, 2024. Internationally, The Thicket premiered in France at the Deauville American Film Festival during the week of September 8. Other exciting releases included Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton’s classic. Jeremy Saulnier’s action thriller Rebel Ridge came to Netflix. A24 and the Eggers Brothers released The Front Room, a psychological horror based on Susan Hill’s story.
When Was the Trailer for The Thicket Released?
The trailer for The Thicket was released on July 23, 2024. It shows a tense, violent story set in the harsh West Texas landscape. Peter Dinklage, as bounty hunter Reginald, shows off his action skills with intense scenes. Juliette Lewis, who has an Academy Award nomination, also stands out in the trailer, even though she doesn’t speak.
Who’s in the Cast of The Thicket?
Let’s take a look at the cast of The Thicket that holds significant weight in the film.
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Levon Hawke | Jack | Hawke plays a sensitive and religious young man on a powerful journey to find his sister, showing a wide range of emotions. |
| Leslie Grace | Jimmy Sue | Grace portrays a sex worker saved by Jack, adding emotional depth to the film. |
| Andrew Schulz | Hector | Schulz plays the brothel owner, contributing to the film’s intense and memorable moments. |
| James Hetfield | Brief Cameo | Hetfield, known for Metallica, makes a delightful appearance in a small but charming role. |
| Macon Blair | Supporting Role | Blair’s performance adds joy and energy to the film. |
| Gbenga Akinnagbe | Eustace Howard | Akinnagbe’s role as Reginald’s companion is a highlight, capturing the essence of Western companionship and emotional depth. |
What’s the IMDb rating of The Thicket?
The Thicket has captured audiences’ attention and earned a solid 6.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb. This rating shows that while it has some mixed reviews, it’s still seen as an interesting and engaging film.
What Are the Critics Saying about The Thicket?
As per the reviews from Rotten Tomatoes,
“The Thicket is a solid Western with a strong plot and engaging storyline. The performances by Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis are excellent. However, despite its authentic atmosphere and strong acting, the film doesn’t fully explore its narrative and thematic potential.”
Here’s what people on X had to say about the movie;
Wrap Up!
The film adaptation of The Thicket offers a captivating mix of Western drama and suspense. While it shines with strong performances from Peter Dinklage and Juliette Lewis and effectively captures the eerie atmosphere of its setting, the movie falls short of fully exploring its narrative and thematic depth. Despite this, it provides an engaging experience with its authentic Western feel and intriguing plot. The film’s blend of action and character-driven storytelling makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.
Looking for more movie guides, read our article: We Live in Time Movie Guide: Cast, Trailer, and Storyline