IMDb 6.9 2015 HD

Slow West

Slow West

2015
Adventure Drama Romance Western
84 min R NZ
6.7 / 10
6.9 IMDB

In the Old West, a 17-year-old Scottish boy teams up with a mysterious gunman to find the woman with whom he is infatuated.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director John Maclean / Hayley Abbott / Dolina MacFarlane
Starring
Michael Fassbender / Kodi Smit-McPhee / Ben Mendelsohn / Caren Pistorius / Rory McCann / Eddie Campbell / Brooke Williams / Alex Macqueen

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

atmospheric slow violent beautiful intriguing melancholic character-driven unique understated thoughtful stark compelling

Reviews

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Slow West' is a beautifully melancholic Western that feels both classic and contemporary. The narrative, following a hopeful youth across a harsh frontier, is imbued with a quiet intensity. Smit-McPhee's portrayal of Jay is a standout, capturing a…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 19, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Director Unknown crafts a visually distinctive Western in 'Slow West,' a film that leans heavily on atmosphere and a deliberately unhurried narrative. The premise, a young man's search for his love aided by a mysterious gunman, is intriguing.…

I
Isobel Finch
Apr 19, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

From its opening frames, 'Slow West' announces itself as something special. This is a Western that prioritises mood and character over relentless action, though it doesn't shy away from sudden bursts of brutality. The visual poetry of the…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 19, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is not your father's Western. 'Slow West' offers a more contemplative, character-focused take on the genre, following a young man's quest across a dangerous landscape. The performances are solid, particularly from Smit-McPhee, whose innocence contrasts effectively with…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 19, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A breath of fresh, albeit dusty, air in the Western genre, 'Slow West' is a beautifully realised, atmospheric piece. Kodi Smit-McPhee shines as the naive Scottish lad Jay, embarking on a perilous quest for love. Michael Fassbender provides…

FAQs

'Slow West' contains moments of significant violence, which are often stark and impactful within its frontier setting. While not gratuitous, these scenes are integral to the film's portrayal of the Old West's harsh realities. Viewers sensitive to graphic content should be aware that the film depicts such elements. However, the narrative focus is also on character, journey, and atmosphere, offering a broader experience beyond just the violent encounters.