While it may not rank among the absolute best westerns of the 21st century, Ned Crowley’s supernatural frontier tale stands out with its unique style. The film is visually striking from the start, opening with a sweeping shot that pulls back from a dreamlike landscape to reveal the source of an eerie sound: a deck of cards being shuffled in an outlaw’s hands. Its central premise—a young girl (Emily Katherine Ford) whose touch brings death—grows into a powerful metaphor for the legacy of colonialism.
Initially, however, the girl is a burden carried by a Black woman. Sarah (DeWanda Wise), a former slave, manages a homestead on the outskirts of an Arizona town during a time of plague. The anxious townspeople avoid her and her daughter, even though Sarah keeps the child’s seemingly lethal hands covered. Worn down by hardship, she turns to Dr. Bender (Guy Pearce), a broken man who numbs himself each night after a personal tragedy, to guide them through the wilderness to a preacher who might lift the curse. Though Bender, a cynical rationalist, mocks her plan, he agrees for the money.
Crowley centers the story on society’s rejects and outsiders. Sarah and Bender are joined by talkative farmhand Edward (Jack Alcott), whom Bender dismisses as a “simpleton” but whom modern viewers would recognize as autistic. Their journey isn’t a bold moral quest like in The Searchers, but a series of strange encounters that echo Jim Jarmusch’s 1995 film Dead Man—a resemblance that becomes especially clear when they meet a guide with a literary name, much like that film’s William Blake.
Violence erupts frequently, and Crowley, who also co-wrote the script, often ties it to white culpability. At times, this point is made a bit too directly, but it deepens into something more nuanced as the true nature of the girl becomes undeniable. Born from an act of white transgression, she appears to embody a malevolent force behind the surrounding brutality and death. Bender’s stubborn refusal to believe in evil may be his way of shielding himself from his own involvement. Guy Pearce captures this defensive denial perfectly in the tense final scenes, alongside Bill Pullman’s unsettling preacher, creating a moral showdown that edges into Cormac McCarthy’s dark territory. Devil in the Dust will be available on digital platforms starting October 3 and on DVD from October 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the review of Devil in the Dust designed to be clear and conversational
General Beginner Questions
1 What is Devil in the Dust about
Its a supernatural Western film where Guy Pearce leads a group of outcasts on a quest through the Old West and their journey carries a deeper meaningful message
2 Who is the main actor in the movie
The main actor is Guy Pearce who plays the guide for the group
3 Is this a typical cowboy movie
No its not a typical Western While its set in the Old West it blends in supernatural elements making it more of a genrebending adventure
4 Would I like this movie if I dont usually watch Westerns
Possibly If you enjoy characterdriven stories supernatural mysteries or Guy Pearces performances it might appeal to you even if Westerns arent your usual goto
5 Is the movie scary
Its likely more eerie and suspenseful than outright scary It uses supernatural elements to create atmosphere and tension rather than relying on traditional horror
Deeper Advanced Questions
6 What is the meaningful message mentioned in the review
While specific to the films plot the message likely revolves around themes like redemption the weight of the past finding purpose as an outcast or confronting ones inner demons
7 How does the supernatural element fit into the Old West setting
The supernatural quest probably serves as a metaphor for the characters personal struggles using the mythic and unknown landscape of the West to explore internal conflicts in an external dramatic way
8 What is the dynamic like between Guy Pearces character and the outcasts
He is their guide suggesting a relationship built on necessity and shared purpose He likely provides direction and protection while the group represents a found family each with their own unique skills and burdens
9 Are there any common criticisms of the film
Some viewers might find the pacing slow if they expect a traditional actionWestern Others might feel the blend of Western and supernatural genres is challenging if they prefer one style over the other
10 What are the films biggest strengths according to the review
Its strengths are likely the strong central performance by Guy Pearce its unique atmosphere and its
