After ushering in a new dawn as the latest Black Panther in Wakanda Forever, actor Letitia Wright tackles her most ambitious project yet, which she also co-produces. Directed by Anthony Mandler from a script by Andrew Pagana and Justin Thomas, Surrounded is a Western by design, but it subverts the traditional tropes to become a deeper analysis of the different effects of trauma and how it shapes people. Actors Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) and the late Michael K. Williams (The Wire) also star.
Set five years after the Civil War, former Buffalo Soldier Moses "Mo" Washington (Wright) disguises herself as a man and departs on a stagecoach on the way to lay claim to a better tomorrow. Out of nowhere, the stagecoach is attacked by the infamous outlaw Tommy Walsh (Bell) and his gang. After a struggle, Tommy is subdued and captured. The rest of the passengers seek help, while Mo is left to hold him at gunpoint. The two start to share their stories and discover certain similarities.
Embracing the wonders of nature, Surrounded is a stunningly shot production. Cinematographer Max Goldman utilizes natural lighting, real-world climate changes, and sprawling location to juxtapose the personal story. Mandler frames the expansiveness of the scenery to show just how isolated and vulnerable Mo and Tommy are. They are exposed -- both metaphorically and literally -- as new threats could (and do) drop on them at any second. Special credit also needs to go to composer Robin Hannibal, who brings strong Ennio Morricone vibes to the moments of tension.
Fortunately boasts strong performances to match the striking landscape. Carrying the bulk of Surrounded, Wright and Bell are phenomenal as the leads. Both their characters have experienced their fair share of life-changing trauma, and the actors capture this sadness and despair in honest, revelatory conversations. They bare the deepest parts of their souls to each other, which helps to blur the lines and makes the audience see them as fully fleshed characters rather than their archetypal roles.
Williams only has one scene in the film, but it is crucial to the story and the development of Mo's arc. His character's words connect with Mo and almost change the entire direction of the film, but he's also a reminder of the dangers of the Wild West. Even when characters believe they have a connection or find a common purpose, this is a ruthless world where only the strongest survive.
While Surrounded focuses on delving into emotions and the impact of trauma, it isn't without its action either. From stagecoach heists to showdowns, Mandler brings the western-flavored gunslinging to the picture as well. However, don't expect the 101 minutes to be all action and stare-downs at high noon.
Set in one of America's most tumultuous times, Surrounded is a thoughtful Western that isn't afraid to tackle the topics of injustice, racial prejudice, and violence. It also introduces well-rounded and developed characters that break through the shackles of the genre's tropes. It's a must-watch for any viewer who enjoys movies with style and substance.