Bone Tomahawk

While good in story, the gore is extreme. If you can handle movies like Saw, you can probably handle this. But the execution scene where a person is scalped, has his scalp pegged to his throat, and bifurcated (cut in two) is extreme that I almost vomited.

I think the “positive role models” category deserves a higher score. Given the situation and historical context, some characters are as brave and honorable as they are able to be— some are not, of course, and there are many villains here. But the sheriff and deputy in particular are generally lovable and willing to do what it takes to protect their community. Honestly, however, this movie isn’t for kids. I had reservations recommending it to my brother, who is in college, but ultimately did because I feel like it’s definitely worth watching for people who appreciate unique movies with great acting and dialogue. I design motion graphics and have been acting my whole life, so I’m not freaked out by most depictions of violence because it doesn’t feel “real” and I’m aware that it’s a bunch of normal people in costumes in a room filled with cameras— and I laughed so hard at “I will avenge you!!!” being repeated by everybody during the death scenes that I didn’t even notice some of the disturbing details I read about later— particularly about that “one scene” and fecal matter— but was more disturbed by the concept of the torture undergone by the two women seen after. Overall it’s a glimpse into a mind that has a lot of unique ideas, a brilliant understanding of dialogue, and the ability to shock even the most jaded of viewers— I’m not sure that those who are bothered by the depictions of violence are necessarily the target audience. Children are DEFINITELY not the target audience.