In an unexpected twist, Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson, both icons of Hollywood, collide in the vibrant world of a new Western titled The Unholy Trinity. Fans might recall Brosnan’s suave demeanor as James Bond, but his journey in the Western genre began with Grey Owl in 1999 and took a more riveting turn with Seraphim Falls in 2006. On the other hand, Samuel L. Jackson strides into this genre with more experience, having left a significant mark with Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained in 2012, followed by The Hateful Eight in 2015. In their latest venture, both actors showcase their talent in this action-packed take on a classic Western narrative.
Audiences & Critics Disagree About The Unholy Trinity
The Brosnan & Jackson Western Is Off To A Mixed Start
Upon its release, The Unholy Trinity sparked a fascinating yet stark contrast in reception on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Richard Gray, the film showcases Brosnan as Gabriel Dove, a Sheriff trying to uphold order as a young man returns to claim his legacy. Jackson plays the enigmatic St. Christopher, a character bursting with chaos. The film debuted at the Zurich Film Festival last October and graced U.S. theaters on June 13.
As audiences dive into this cinematic experience, the film has garnered a modest 66% audience score on the Popcornmeter, based on over 100 viewer ratings. This figure sharply contrasts with the critics’ score, which languishes at a meager 18% from 17 reviews. This significant discrepancy hints at a divided perception, with audiences likely embracing the film’s thrilling moments while critics seem to see a less favorable picture.
Turning to Metacritic, the film performs slightly better, sporting a critics’ score of 43 out of 100. However, this score derives from a mere five reviews, suggesting a cautious approach from early critics.
What This Means For The Unholy Trinity
The Critical Response Explained
With an 18% critics’ score, it’s clear that The Unholy Trinity faces an uphill battle for recognition. Reviews have generally pointed out that despite some notable action sequences, the movie struggles to carve its identity amidst a repertoire of more compelling Western films. For instance, Nick Bythrow’s review at ScreenRant acknowledged the chemistry between Brosnan and Jackson, rewarding the film with a mixed score of five out of ten. Yet, he remarked that the story falters:
“At some point, it even feels like the movie stops being intrigued by the story it’s telling. One event late into the story feels like it should carry a heavier weight than it does, but everyone ignores how major a travesty it is for some characters. The movie makes a point to always carry on to the next idea in its story, and, by the end, becomes too engrossed in its generic aspects to commit to what makes it stand out.â€Â
In recent years, Westerns have grappled to find their footing in modern cinemas. The dismal response to The Unholy Trinity suggests it might not alter that trajectory. Yet, the audience enthusiasm hints at a potential resurgence via VOD or streaming platforms, allowing the film to find its footing in the home viewing market.