Release & Overview
Outlaws and Angels is a 2016 American Western thriller directed by JT Mollner. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film delivers a dark, twisted take on the Western genre, exploring themes of violence, survival, and moral decay.

Plot Summary
The story is set in the late 1800s, following Henry (Chad Michael Murray) and his gang of ruthless outlaws after they rob a bank and flee across the New Mexico desert. In a desperate attempt to escape the pursuing bounty hunters, they invade the isolated home of the Tilly family—a seemingly innocent, religious household led by George Tilly (Ben Browder).

However, what starts as a classic home-invasion standoff quickly turns into something far more sinister. As the night unfolds, deep, unsettling secrets come to light, and the line between victim and villain begins to blur. Florence Tilly (Francesca Eastwood), the family’s daughter, reveals a surprising darkness of her own, turning the tables on the outlaws in ways no one expects.

Cast & Characters

• Chad Michael Murray as Henry – The outlaw leader with a violent past.
• Francesca Eastwood as Florence Tilly – A seemingly innocent young woman hiding dark secrets.
• Ben Browder as George Tilly – The head of the Tilly family, whose religious facade masks deeper flaws.
• Madisen Beaty as Charlotte Tilly – Florence’s younger sister.
• Teri Polo as Ada Tilly – The family’s matriarch, trapped in a troubled marriage.
• Luke Wilson as Josiah – A determined bounty hunter pursuing Henry and his gang.

Themes & Style
Outlaws and Angels is far from a traditional Western. It subverts classic tropes by delving into psychological horror and suspense, offering a story filled with brutality, twisted morality, and shocking revelations. The film features raw, intimate cinematography, using grainy textures and candlelit interiors to create a sense of claustrophobia and unease.

Critical Reception
The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its bold storytelling, atmospheric tension, and Francesca Eastwood’s standout performance. However, its graphic violence and bleak tone divided audiences, making it a polarizing but unforgettable entry in the modern Western genre.

Final Thoughts
If you enjoy dark, unsettling thrillers like The Hateful Eight or Bone Tomahawk, Outlaws and Angels offers a gritty, blood-soaked tale of survival and deception. Prepare for a Western unlike any other, where no one is truly innocent, and the past always catches up with you.

Outlaws and Angels (2016):