A free streaming service has made the acclaimed film Slow West available to audiences in the United States. Originally released in 2014, this unique Western film marks the directorial debut of John Maclean and features performances by notable actors Michael Fassbender and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
“Slow West serves as an impressive calling card for first-time writer-director John Maclean — and offers an inventive treat for fans of the Western,”
states the critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, where the film currently holds a “Certified Fresh” score of 92%. Despite its positive reviews, Slow West had a modest box office performance, grossing just over $1 million during its theatrical run.
The film tells the story of a young Scotsman, played by Smit-McPhee, who journeys to America in search of his long-lost love. He is joined in his quest by an Irish bounty hunter, portrayed by Fassbender. The film also features Ben Mendelsohn, who had gained recognition for his role in the Australian thriller Animal Kingdom.
Following Slow West, Maclean directed his sophomore feature, Tornado, which was released in 2022. This film also delves into Western themes, set in the 18th century and starring actors Jack Lowden and Tim Roth.
Both Fassbender and Smit-McPhee have established themselves in the Western genre, having previously collaborated on the X-Men franchise, which includes X-Men: First Class (2011) and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019). Smit-McPhee has appeared in other notable films, such as The Road and The Power of the Dog, which received several Academy Award nominations.
Audience members can now stream Slow West for free on Pluto TV, making it more accessible for those interested in exploring this modern take on the classic Western genre.
