The Unholy Trinity (2024) - Walkden Entertainment

Plot Overview

Waiting in prison in 1988, Montana Territory, Isaac Broadway (Tim Daly) is about to be hung. Among the crowd to watch the hanging is his son, Henry (Brandon Lessard), who has recently received a letter from a priest updating him on his father’s situation. Although Isaac is not pleased to see Henry present, he reassures Henry that he has been jailed for a crime he did not commit, insisting that the true culprit must be brought to justice. Isaac claims that the man responsible is Sheriff Saul Butler from the town of Trinity. Despite the seemingly impossible task, Henry vows to kill Butler to honour his father and bring about justice.

The first order of business for Henry is to travel by carriage to Trinity. During a rest stop where food and drinks are served, he meets a mysterious man named St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson). They engage in small talk, and St. Christopher provides Henry with a gun, claiming that he might need it when he reaches Trinity. Once Henry arrives in Trinity, he quickly sets his sights on the Sheriff. However, he soon discovers that the man he believed to be Butler is in fact Sheriff Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), the current Sheriff of the town. To complicate matters further, Henry learns that the man he intended to kill is already dead and buried underground.

Making matters worse, Henry’s arrival has stirred up old conflicts, especially with the revelation that he is the son of Isaac. There are also rumours about stolen gold that is purportedly still buried somewhere in Trinity. As tensions rise, Henry must navigate a web of deceit, questioning who is telling the truth, whom he can trust, and whether he will ever fully understand the mysteries surrounding his father and the crimes many claimed he committed.

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Performance

It’s no surprise that Samuel L. Jackson stands out in The Unholy Trinity. His portrayal of St. Christopher showcases unhinged behaviour, loudness, mischief, and a selfish tendency to plot behind others’ backs. It’s clear that Jackson is enjoying this role and performing exceptionally well. Pierce Brosnan adds a sense of kindness and embodies a fatherly figure. His presence is fitting and enjoyable, although he seems slightly less impactful in scenes that I expected to be more emotional or dramatic. Nevertheless, his character, along with his determination to do what is right, remains delightful.

Visuals and Soundtrack

While the townspeople of Trinity wear clothing that appears relatively clean and polished for a Western setting, the visuals in the film are still impressive. A considerable effort has been made in this area, which I appreciated. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was watching a mini-series made for television, despite the film’s appealing looks and sets. The music score, composed by Tristan Beltrami and Marco Beltrami, features some successful moments that are fitting, tense, and even majestic, especially during the film’s first act.

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Pacing and Plot Critique

Unfortunately, the film’s plot is both messy and slow. While the opening is quite impactful and effectively sets up the main story, it is disappointing to discover that a revenge tale is not the central focus. The movie tries to incorporate more mystery and unanswered questions; however, these mysteries often feel predictable. As a result, we spend much of the film with characters who continue to pose questions when the audience will already know the answers, making the experience tedious at times. Moreover, watching Henry fall into multiple bad situations due to poor choices also feels like an annoyance. Although there are moments of action and gunfire, none of them are particularly gripping or overly impressive. The finale’s showdown ultimately proves to be dull and forgettable, leaving me wishing for a more satisfying conclusion.

Final Verdict

The Unholy Trinity features enjoyable performances from both Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan, who brings a likable character to life. Elements such as the costumes and musical score have their moments of enjoyment. However, as a story, it is merely a passable western film that audaciously alters its plot after a compelling and strong opening, leaving the viewer to feel their time has ultimately been wasted. Characters consistently raise questions even though the audience already knows the answers, contributing to a sense of slowness that detracts from the film’s pacing. Additionally, the overall visual style and sets give the impression of a mini-series rather than a feature film. Aside from the two lead actors, the supporting cast significantly underwhelms in terms of acting quality. It’s a fine western, but nothing particularly riveting or deserving of applause.

The Unholy Trinity (2024) is now available in select Australian cinemas and screening at Hoyts Cinemas from June 26th.