Scott Cooper’s neo-Western drama Hostiles delves into the complexities of mental illness, grief, and trauma, departing from traditional Western storytelling. The film follows Capt Joseph Blocker, a stoic Army Captain, as he leads an escort mission to Montana to transport a Cheyenne war chief and his family to their destination safely. Along the way, the group faces numerous challenges that reveal the characters’ struggles with grief and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sgt Metz, a longtime friend and right-hand of Capt Blocker, grapples with depression and PTSD, a condition poorly understood during that era. His emotional struggles are evident as he discusses graphic details of his experiences with little emotion and reveals his trouble sleeping due to nightmares. Sgt Metz’s story serves as a somber reminder of the lack of understanding and support for mental health during that time, highlighting the difficulties of dealing with mental illness.
Another character, Rosalee Quaid, a rescued woman, struggles with grief after her entire family is brutally murdered by hostile Native Americans. She initially denies the reality of her child’s death and is in shock, but eventually allows the burial of her family and accepts her loss. Her journey showcases a different path to healing as she slowly comes to terms with her trauma and separates the Cheyennes from the hostile Native Americans. Both Capt Blocker and Rosalee find differing levels of healing from their grief throughout the film.
A Still From Scott Cooper’s Hostiles (Photo: Hostiles)
Captain Blocker, initially portrayed as a racist and a brute, undergoes a transformation as he comes to see the world from a different perspective. He treats the Cheyennes in his care with more humanity and ultimately defends their family members with his life. Rosalee finds a similar path to healing, eventually separating her trauma from the Native Americans and taking care of the surviving child of Chief Yellow Hawk’s family. Hostiles may not be the deepest or most action-packed Western out there, but it is a thought-provoking film that explores a delicate topic in a way that is still relevant today.
The film’s portrayal of PTSD and depression adds depth and nuance to the typical Western narrative, and its exploration of grief and healing provides a poignant and emotional resonance. By tackling mental health in a Western setting, the film speaks to contemporary issues that real people face, making it worth watching for its unflinching honesty and respectful approach to a complex subject.
