As Matthew Quigley (Ben Mendelsohn), an American cowboy renowned for his extraordinary marksmanship, responds to an unconventional advertisement, he unwittingly triggers a remarkable chain of events that will irrevocably change his life. Upon his arrival in the rugged landscapes of Australia, Quigley's sharp instincts spark a confrontation with the menacing henchmen of Marston (Alan Rickman), who are attempting to forcibly take "Crazy Cora" (Cora) into their custody. A chaotic brawl ensues, ultimately leading to a tense showdown where Quigley boldly declines an offer to use his talents to eliminate the elusive Aboriginal Australians.
Following this tumultuous encounter, Quigley is subjected to a brutal beating by Marston's lackeys, who mercilessly abandon him and Cora in the harsh Australian Outback with scant supplies. Their grim outlook transforms unexpectedly when they are rescued by the very people they had intended to harm. Cora, it turns out, originally hails from Texas, a land she once knew, witnessing first-hand the catastrophic aftermath of Comanche raids. The heart-wrenching decision of her husband to forsake her on an Australian vessel after the devastating loss of their child has left Cora deeply scarred.
As Quigley and Cora navigate through the perilous wilds, they find themselves increasingly at odds with Marston's violent associates, who ruthlessly target the Aboriginal population. In a testament to his unyielding spirit, Quigley manages to eliminate three of their attackers, prompting a desperate escape on horseback, albeit leaving Cora and a helpless infant behind. Despite this difficult choice, Quigley ensures their safety by leaving them with ample provisions before he rides off to a nearby town.
There, he meets a local German gunsmith who shares Quigley’s resentment for Marston, having suffered at his hands. This newfound ally arms him with fresh ammunition and crucial insights about Quigley’s emerging status as a hero among the Aboriginal Australians whose lives he inadvertently affects. As Marston’s men close in on Quigley amidst a raging inferno, his quick wit and marksmanship enable him to evade capture, taking down all but one of his pursuers in a daring escape through a skylight. The survivor, gravely injured, is dispatched to deliver a chilling warning: Quigley will be back.
Before embarking on his quest for revenge, Quigley returns to Cora, who has just saved their infant from voracious dingoes. Demonstrating her fierce maternal instincts, she pulls out a revolver left by Quigley to fend off the predators. Yet, in an emotional moment, she ultimately lets the child howl freely, confronting the perilous situation they’re in.
The following morning, Quigley charges into town, resolute in confronting Marston at his ranch. He commences his assault with a barrage of gunfire from an elevated position, but a cunning shot from Marston brings him to a staggering halt, leaving him vulnerable to Marston's remaining men. As Marston showcases a quick-draw technique due to Quigley’s unusual choice of gun—just a rifle—Quigley flips the script, surpassing Marston with his unique skill set. As Marston lies on the verge of death, Quigley seizes the moment to remind him of their prior exchange: > "I said I never had much use for one [a revolver]; never said I didn't know how to use it."
Marston’s devoted servant appears to return Quigley’s rifle before departing, shedding his western garb. Suddenly, an army detachment arrives, intent on capturing Quigley. However, upon noticing the gatherings of Aboriginal Australians in the vicinity, they reconsider their approach and choose to withdraw. Eventually, both Quigley and Cora manage to secure passage back to America disguised under her husband's identity, who remains wanted for his past offenses. As they stand at the wharf, Cora affectionately reminds him of a promise he gave: she must say two words before he can vocalize his feelings. With a beaming smile, she calls out, "Matthew Quigley," leading to a heartwarming embrace between the two.
