Butcher’s Crossing (2023) is a gritty Western drama based on John Williams’ 1960 revisionist novel. Set in the 1870s, it follows Will Andrews (played by Fred Hechinger), a young Harvard student who abandons his education to join a buffalo hunting expedition in the Kansas wilderness.
The film explores his journey alongside Miller (Nicolas Cage), a rugged and obsessive hunter, and their companions as they venture into the dangerous, untouched wilds to hunt one of the last great buffalo herds.
The film captures the harshness of frontier life, focusing on the internal and external struggles that unfold as the hunters face extreme conditions. Tensions rise as Miller pushes his men to hunt relentlessly, disregarding the dangers of overstaying their welcome in the wilderness.
The party is eventually trapped by a blizzard, forcing them into a harsh survival struggle.
As the story progresses, the group’s deteriorating relationships and personal breakdowns are highlighted, culminating in a tragic journey back to civilization.
When they return, the hides they’ve collected are worthless, reflecting the futility of their obsessive pursuit. The movie has received mixed to positive reviews, praised for Cage’s commanding performance, though the film’s slow pace and bleak themes might not appeal to all audiences.
