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In 1892, a decorated Army Captain undertakes a final, perilous mission. He must escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family to their ancestral lands. Along the way, they encounter a young widow seeking vengeance for the brutal murder of her family. Forced into an uneasy alliance, the group journeys through the harsh landscapes of New Mexico and Montana, facing deadly Comanche warriors and dangerous outlaws as they struggle to survive.

In 1892, a decorated Army Captain undertakes a final, perilous mission. He must escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family to their ancestral lands. Along the way, they encounter a young widow seeking vengeance for the brutal murder of her family. Forced into an uneasy alliance, the group journeys through the harsh landscapes of New Mexico and Montana, facing deadly Comanche warriors and dangerous outlaws as they struggle to survive.

Does Hostiles have end credit scenes?

No!

Hostiles does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for Hostiles

See how Hostiles is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Hostiles stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

78

Hostiles delivers a visually arresting Western grounded in committed performances and thematic depth. Reviewers consistently highlight the film’s stark, deliberate framing of the frontier and the weight carried by Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike. However, its measured pacing and intermittent monologues can feel protracted, leading to occasional lapses in narrative momentum. Nevertheless, the film’s integration of moral complexity and cinematic craftsmanship underlines its enduring resonance.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Hostiles

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Hostiles excels in its contemplative direction and cinematography. The striking compositions and production design vividly render the barren landscapes, while editing choices underscore the deliberate tone. Some viewers noted occasional static sequences that slowed transitions. Overall, the film’s visual sensibility reinforces its thematic gravity.

78
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film benefits from nuanced performances by Christian Bale and Rosamund Pike. Critics praised their restrained portrayals that convey inner conflict and empathy. Some commentary points to occasional reliance on archetypes, particularly in indigenous character development. Ultimately, the compelling acting anchors the film’s emotional core.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, Hostiles presents a meditative narrative that unfolds at a deliberate pace. Reviewers observed moments of strong thematic engagement and a cohesive journey framework, yet noted intermittent lapses in pacing and familiar genre dynamics. While the plot’s moral arc is engaging, its rhythm may challenge viewers seeking more momentum.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers a robust sound design and a score that underscores its austere atmosphere. Visual coherence is reinforced by a restrained color palette and immersive ambient moments. A few critics mentioned whispered sermon scenes as overly subtle, but overall the auditory and visual elements are widely praised.

70
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch factor, Hostiles maintains a solid appeal through its thematic resonance and strong lead performances. The film’s exploration of moral transformation and human resilience invites subsequent viewings, though some may find its measured pacing less conducive to repeated watches. On balance, it offers lasting value for fans of contemplative Westerns.

Metacritic

65

Metascore

7.2

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

71%

TOMATOMETER

review

76%

User Score

IMDb

7.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.5

From 285 fan ratings

Movie Insider

3.81/5

From 27 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate Hostiles Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Hostiles with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Hostiles Movie Quiz: Test your knowledge about the 2017 film 'Hostiles' and its gripping storyline.

What tragic event drives Rosalie to flee her home?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Hostiles

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Read the complete plot summary of Hostiles, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In 1892 New Mexico, settler Rosalee Quaid faces a horrific tragedy when a Comanche war party attacks her home, brutally killing her husband and three children—Lucy, Sylvie, and an infant named Jacob. Seeking to protect their ranch from being set ablaze, her husband Wesley fights valiantly but is ultimately overwhelmed. In the chaos, Rosalee manages to hide but is unaware that her youngest child has already succumbed to a gunshot wound. After the Comanche set fire to their home, she escapes to the hills while the remnants of her family lay lifeless.

Meanwhile, at Fort Berringer, the soon-to-retire U.S. Army captain Joseph Blocker receives an unusual order from President Harrison, conveyed by his superior Col. Abraham Biggs. He is tasked with escorting the cancer-stricken Cheyenne chief Yellow Hawk—a long-imprisoned leader—along with four family members back to their sacred lands in Montana. This mission, critical for improving Native American relations, comes with intense personal conflict for Blocker, who harbors deep resentment against the Cheyenne due to past trauma.

Blocker initially resists the assignment, battling memories of lost friends and a blood-soaked history. However, with the threat of court-martial hanging over him, he reluctantly consents. This entourage consists of his trusted sergeant Thomas Metz, the dedicated corporal Henry Woodson, the inexperienced lieutenant Rudy Kidder, and young private Philippe DeJardin.

On their journey, the group stumbles upon Rosalee at the site of her family’s massacre, where she is still in shock, believing her children to be merely resting. After some persuasion, she joins them, seeking a sense of closure by burying her loved ones. Tension escalates as Rosalee confronts her fears and the horrors of their shared journey.

Soon, they face unexpected assaults from the Comanche, resulting in loss and camaraderie among the soldiers and the Cheyenne. Blocker begins to grapple with the enmity that has shaped his life and faces challenges that force him to reconsider his views on honor, loyalty, and the nature of humanity.

The narrative unfolds with perilous encounters and moral dilemmas as Blocker witnesses bravery and sacrifice, especially when Yellow Hawk insists on being unchained to aid in defending their group. Tragedy strikes as they encounter the aftermath of war, leading Blocker to reflect on the cost of his past decisions.

Upon reaching their destination, the group is met with hostility from white settlers who claim ownership of the land. As tensions boil over into violence, losses mount, leading Rosalee to rescue the orphaned Little Bear. In a poignant farewell at the train station, Blocker—having found a purpose and perhaps a path to redemption—hands the boy a book about Julius Caesar, symbolizing a new beginning as the train departs, marking the end of a harrowing journey woven with tragedy, resilience, and the pursuit of peace.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Hostiles

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Hostiles. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

A Gift For The Lady

I Don't Feel Anything

Comanche Attack

Meeting The Men

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


montanau.s. cavalrymurdertrainmotley crewrapeyear 1892new mexicocheyenne indianlandscapechiefnew mexico territorygirlscalpinghanginghandcuffsrainfortcoloneljourneygriefindian burial groundorderassignmentwoundwidowrepeating riflegunfightenemy turned friendreturning to homelandreconciliationforgivenessnative american chiefrape and revenge19th centurycomanche indianbigotryviolencetribenative americancoloradocampfiretenthandcuffed to a treecaptainhusband wife relationshipgrandfather granddaughter relationshipambushshootoutafrican american

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