The Old Way

The Old Way

Year: 2023

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

ActionWestern

In a gritty Western debut, Nicolas Cage plays Colton Briggs, a notorious gunslinger turned family man. When outlaws threaten his loved ones, Colton must dust off his violent past and team up with an unlikely ally - his 12-year-old daughter - to take down the enemy in a heart-pumping showdown that will leave only one standing.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Old Way (2023)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Old Way (2023). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1878, 20 years later

The movie begins in 1878, a time marked by lawlessness and violence in the American West, where gunfighters like Colton Briggs operate outside the law. Fast forward twenty years, the timeline brings the audience into a more settled era, but the specter of the past lingers as old rivalries and vendettas resurface.

Location

Montana Territory, Santa Rosa, Colorado

The rugged Montana Territory, characterized by its wild landscapes and harsh conditions, serves as the backdrop for the film, providing a stark contrast to Colton's later life as a merchant. Santa Rosa, Colorado, represents a changing world where Colton encounters his past and faces the consequences of his former life as a gunfighter.

🏞️ Wilderness 🏙️ Town

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:58

Main Characters – The Old Way (2023)
Meet the key characters of The Old Way (2023), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Colton Briggs (Nicolas Cage)

Once a ruthless gunfighter, Colton has attempted to leave his violent past behind and embrace a peaceful life as a merchant. However, the murder of his wife forces him back into his old ways, revealing a complex character torn between vengeance and paternal duty.

⚔️ Gunfighter 🤠 Merchant 😢 Grief

Brooke Briggs (Ryan Kiera Armstrong)

Brooke is a rebellious twelve-year-old caught in the shadow of her father's tumultuous past. Her emotional detachment and defiance reflect the pain of familial loss, yet she ultimately transforms through hardship, emerging as a courageous figure by the film's end.

👧 Daughter 🥁 Rebellious 🏹 Brave

Ruth Briggs (Kerry Knuppe)

Ruth is the loving wife of Colton and a stabilizing force in his life. Her brutal murder is the catalyst that drives Colton back into a violent path, showcasing the profound impact of her character on the storyline and her family's fate.

💖 Wife 🏠 Caretaker 😢 Loss

James McAllister (Noah Le Gros)

James, fueled by rage and revenge, represents the cycle of violence that defines his family. His actions serve as the main antagonist to Colton's journey, culminating in a tragic confrontation that forces both characters to confront their shared past.

🔫 Antagonist ⚔️ Vengeful 😡 Anger

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:58

Major Themes – The Old Way (2023)
Explore the central themes of The Old Way (2023), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Revenge

Revenge permeates the film as Colton is driven by the brutal murder of his wife, leading him back to a path of violence he had long abandoned. This powerful theme highlights the cycle of vengeance, showcasing how the quest for retribution can overshadow personal growth and peace.

👨‍👧 Family Bonds

The relationship between Colton and Brooke illustrates the complexities of family ties, especially within the context of trauma and loss. Their journey reveals the impact of a violent heritage on the younger generation, emphasizing the struggle to forge one's identity amidst familial legacies.

💔 Loss

Loss is a central theme, deeply affecting Colton and Brooke after the death of Ruth. This tragedy spurs Colton back into his past life while Brooke must contend with both her grief and the harsh reality of her family's violent history, shaping her character's development.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:58

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