‘Place of Bones’ Review: A Character-Driven Horror-Western With Heart
I’m usually not in a big hurry to watch period pieces, but there’s something about a horror Western that works for me. I had a great time with last year’s Organ Trail. In fact, that gritty tale of bloodshed in the days of the covered wagon made my top ten of 2023. I love seeing filmmakers juxtapose what I often consider a simpler time alongside ultra-violence. So, when I caught wind of Audrey Cummings’ new film, Place of Bones, I was intrigued. Though it doesn’t nail every last detail, I enjoyed the picture well enough. The narrative is character-driven, and the interpersonal relationships between the key players kept me engaged till the end.
Place of Bones follows single mother Pandora (Heather Graham) and her daughter, Hester (Brielle Robillard). They live off the land, far removed from any amenities, just as Pandora likes it. When the shady character Calhoun (Corin Nemec) appears, injured, on their land, Pandora takes him in. But the outlaw brings trouble with him. Calhoun double-crossed his co-conspirators after a robbery, and they are now hot on his trail. Pandora, Hester, and Calhoun must fortify the humble dwelling the two women call home and gear up for battle if they hope to survive the impending confrontation.
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Heather Graham’s Pandora is a multifaceted character. Her compulsion to speak and conduct herself properly initially suggests she isn’t one to get her hands dirty. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Women featured in films set during the covered wagon era are often depicted as little more than set dressing. But Pandora is a Renaissance gal. She’s a capable protagonist, a fiercely protective matriarch, and plenty proficient with a handgun, to boot.
Despite her best efforts to shield Hester from the evils of the world, when Mr. Calhoun shows up on their doorstep, the evils of the world come to them. That’s a conceit with which most parents must contend at one point or another. No matter how hard you try to protect your children, you can’t keep them safe forever. Seeing that play out before us yields some legitimately emotional moments. Additionally, it’s invigorating to see Hester come into her own and demonstrate a similar level of self-sufficiency to her mother. It’s brilliant to see not one, but two strong women who don’t have to rely on a man in a film set at a time when that wasn’t always commonplace.
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The film certainly has a strong emotional core. That piece is well-realized thanks to a solid script from Richard Taylor and capable performances by all. However, it would have been nice to see a little more in the way of rip-roaring action. The first two acts are primarily character-driven. A couple of close calls during the buildup to the final confrontation would have kept the proceedings livelier during the first hour. The interpersonal relationships were enough to keep me engaged, but I did grow a wee bit restless anticipating the arrival of the long-gestured final showdown.
The film does break from expectations near the end, delivering a chilling development in its last moments. The reveal doesn’t change anything but certainly paints everything that came before in a slightly more macabre light that horror fans will surely appreciate.
All in all, Place of Bones features a strong cast, a solid script, and a memorable denouement. If you’re eager to seek the film out, you can find it available on digital as of the publication of this post.
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‘Place of Bones'
Summary
‘Place of Bones’ is a serviceable effort thanks to a strong emotional core and effective performances.
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