Butchers Crossing (2023) is a western drama directed by Gabe Polsky, adapted from John Williams’ 1960 novel of the same name. Starring Nicolas Cage, Fred Hechinger, and Jeremy Bobb, the film delves into the harsh realities and philosophical struggles of life in the American frontier during the late 19th century.

Plot Synopsis

Set in the 1870s, the story follows Will Andrews (Fred Hechinger), a young man full of idealism, who leaves his life in the East to find adventure and purpose in the American West. He arrives in the remote town of Butchers Crossing, Colorado, where he encounters Miller (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned buffalo hunter with a mysterious aura.

Miller persuades Will to join him and a small group of hunters on an expedition to track a massive buffalo herd in the wilderness. As they journey into the unforgiving terrain, the brutality of the hunt and the isolation of the landscape push them to their physical and emotional limits. Along the way, Will is forced to confront the devastating consequences of their pursuit of profit, questioning the moral cost and impact it has on their humanity.