Hostiles

In 1892 New Mexico, Rosalee Quaid experiences a horrific event as a Comanche war party attacks her home. Despite her husband Wesley's valiant efforts to defend their family, he is overwhelmed, and Rosalee is left to witness the brutal deaths of her husband and three children.

Amidst the chaos of the attack, Rosalee manages to hide while unaware that her infant son Jacob has already succumbed to a gunshot wound. As the Comanche set fire to their home, she escapes to the nearby hills, leaving her family in the aftermath of tragedy.

At Fort Berringer, U.S. Army captain Joseph Blocker receives an unusual order from President Harrison. He is tasked with escorting the ailing Cheyenne chief Yellow Hawk and his family back to their sacred land, which plunges him into a personal conflict given his traumatic past with the Cheyenne.

After battling the memories of his past and considering the threat of court-martial, Blocker reluctantly agrees to the assignment. He gathers his entourage that consists of trusted sergeant Thomas Metz, dedicated corporal Henry Woodson, inexperienced lieutenant Rudy Kidder, and young private Philippe DeJardin.

During their journey, Blocker’s group stumbles upon Rosalee at the site of her family's massacre. Initially in shock, believing her children are merely resting, she is persuaded to join them in order to find closure and bury her loved ones.

As Rosalee travels with Blocker and his men, tensions escalate, and she confronts her fears alongside them. The shared journey puts everyone’s resilience to the test as they navigate through the pain of loss and the consequences of violence.

The group soon faces unexpected assaults from the Comanche, which results in significant challenges and losses. These encounters forge a bond among the soldiers and Yellow Hawk's family, prompting Blocker to reflect on his beliefs regarding honor and humanity.

As the journey continues, Blocker witnesses acts of bravery and sacrifice, particularly when Yellow Hawk insists on being unchained to defend their group. This experience causes Blocker to confront his resentment toward the Cheyenne and question his long-held values.

Tragedy strikes as the group encounters the aftermath of war, prompting Blocker to ponder the cost of his past decisions. The pain of loss weighs heavily on him as he begins to understand the complexity of the conflicts that have shaped his life.

Upon reaching their destination in Montana, Blocker and his group are met with hostility from white settlers who claim ownership of the land. This confrontation escalates into violence as tensions rise and losses mount.

In the midst of rising violence, Rosalee rescues Little Bear, an orphaned child. This act of compassion stands in stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them and symbolizes a desire for connection amidst despair.

As the train departs, Blocker hands Little Bear a book about Julius Caesar, signifying the hope for a fresh start. This poignant farewell reflects the impacts of their harrowing journey marked by tragedy, resilience, and the quest for peace.

Ultimately, Blocker and Yellow Hawk's journey fulfills a critical mission of returning to sacred Cheyenne land. Despite the immense struggles faced, this mission reinforces the importance of healing and understanding between cultures.