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In 1851, brothers Charlie and Eli Sisters, known for their skills as hired guns, are sent west on a dangerous mission through the rugged Oregon mountains and into California's gold rush territory. Their journey takes them from a disreputable Mayfield brothel, encountering various perils and unexpected encounters along the way. As they travel, the brothers face a path of potential redemption, forcing them to confront the strength and fragility of their familial bond and the violent life they lead.

In 1851, brothers Charlie and Eli Sisters, known for their skills as hired guns, are sent west on a dangerous mission through the rugged Oregon mountains and into California's gold rush territory. Their journey takes them from a disreputable Mayfield brothel, encountering various perils and unexpected encounters along the way. As they travel, the brothers face a path of potential redemption, forcing them to confront the strength and fragility of their familial bond and the violent life they lead.

Does The Sisters Brothers have end credit scenes?

No!

The Sisters Brothers does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Sisters Brothers

Explore the complete cast of The Sisters Brothers, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Sisters Brothers

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


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

78

In overall terms, The Sisters Brothers excels in its visual and performative elements but shows uneven pacing and episodic structure. Critics applaud Jacques Audiard’s direction and Alexandre Desplat’s score, while users note the film’s originality tempered by occasional narrative stagnation. The ensemble cast, led by Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly, imbues the story with subtle depth, even as some viewers tire of the plodding rhythm. Despite its tonal shifts and mixed replay value, the film leaves a lasting stylistic impression.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Sisters Brothers

80
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates assured visual storytelling and production design balanced by occasional editing and pacing choices that undermine momentum. Critics noted Jacques Audiard’s confident mise-en-scène and atmospheric compositions, while users praised the period detail and cinematography. At times the rapid editing in action sequences feels disjointed, yet the overall aesthetic remains cohesive and compelling. The film’s visual construction contributes significantly to its Western identity.

92
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

In terms of character and emotional depth, The Sisters Brothers thrives on its nuanced ensemble performances. Critics and users alike commend the chemistry among Joaquin Phoenix, John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Riz Ahmed, highlighting subtle emotional beats and interpersonal dynamics. The narrative’s exploration of fear, camaraderie, and inherited trauma enriches the protagonists’ arcs. The cast’s collective sensitivity ensures the film’s emotional core resonates throughout.

68
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the narrative blends originality with episodic pacing that can feel plodding. The film reworks Western tropes through unexpected detours, as critics applaud its thematic depth while noting an uneven rhythm. Some viewers found the gradual build engaging, whereas others grew impatient for more conflict. Despite moments of intellectual intrigue and thematic resonance, the plot’s leisurely progression may challenge sustained engagement.

80
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers a rich audiovisual palette anchored by Alexandre Desplat’s evocative score and immersive sound design. Critics highlight the atmospheric use of color and texture, while users praise the production’s tactile authenticity. Some sequences of visceral violence may alienate those sensitive to gore, yet the visual style remains consistent. Overall, the sensory elements underscore the film’s stylistic ambition.

62
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch potential, audiences offer mixed impressions regarding the film’s lasting appeal. The Sisters Brothers’ atmospheric visuals and layered performances invite repeat viewings, yet its deliberate pacing and episodic structure can diminish replay value for some. While thematic nuances may emerge upon subsequent watches, the film’s languid tempo may limit its appeal for viewers seeking more immediate rewards. The rewatch experience depends largely on individual tolerance for measured storytelling.

Metacritic

78

Metascore

7.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

87%

TOMATOMETER

review

69%

User Score

IMDb

6.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.6

From 79 fan ratings

Movie Insider

2.33/5

From 3 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Sisters Brothers Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Sisters Brothers 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.


The Sisters Brothers Quiz: Test your knowledge on the dark and thrilling journey of Eli and Charlie Sisters in 'The Sisters Brothers.'

What year is 'The Sisters Brothers' set in?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Sisters Brothers

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Read the complete plot summary of The Sisters Brothers, 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.


Set in the year 1851 in the rugged landscapes of the American West, we follow the perilous journey of two gunfighter brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters. Hired by a wealthy businessman known as The Commodore, the brothers are given a grim task: to track down and eliminate a man named Hermann Kermit Warm.

Meanwhile, John Morris, a private detective, has been commissioned by the Commodore to locate Warm and hand him over to the Sisters. Morris encounters Warm, who is traveling by a wagon train heading to California amid the Gold Rush, and the two develop an unlikely friendship. Upon arriving in Jacksonville, Morris’s dark intentions are revealed to Warm through a set of handcuffs that Morris possesses. However, Warm’s instinct to fight back at gunpoint is thwarted as Morris manages to overpower him. Warm discloses his mission to find gold utilizing a unique chemical formula that he has created. The Sisters brothers, sent to retrieve the formula, likely contemplate torturing and killing Warm.

Determined to save an innocent life, Morris makes the critical decision to release Warm, and they venture away from Jacksonville together. As they travel toward San Francisco, Warm reveals his grand ambition to create a utopian society, one free of greed, in Dallas, Texas.

However, the Sisters’ quest is soon beset by a string of misfortunes: an aggressive bear mauls one of their horses, Eli narrowly escapes a venomous spider bite, and Charlie struggles with excessive drinking which leaves him in a perpetual state of hangover. Upon discovering Morris’s betrayal in Jacksonville, the Sisters pursue Morris and Warm, leading them to Ms. Mayfield’s establishment, a hotel and brothel. Although Mayfield insists she hasn’t seen Morris and Warm, she warmly receives the brothers. A compassionate prostitute warns Eli of impending danger; despite attempts to flee with a drunken Charlie, they are cornered by gunslingers hired by Mayfield. In a fierce showdown, the brothers eliminate their attackers and, in a brutal turn, murder and rob Mayfield for information about Warm and Morris.

In San Francisco, tension brews between the brothers concerning the hunt. While Eli yearns for retirement, Charlie dismisses this desire with anger. The following day, Charlie discovers a claim staked in Morris’s name nearby, prompting Eli to reluctantly agree to pursue Warm as their final endeavor.

On their journey, the Sisters fall into an ambush set by Warm and Morris, prompting an alliance against Mayfield’s remaining henchmen, who seek revenge for her death and to claim the formula for themselves. Working together, they defeat the attackers and agree to aid Warm and Morris in their quest for gold in exchange for a share of the profits. The newfound camaraderie blossoms as the men engage in building a dam, a pivotal step towards creating the vision Warm has of a better society.

As the dam becomes operational, Warm explains that his explosive chemical formula, when introduced to water, will illuminate gold ore briefly—though with a perilous side effect. The brothers commence the gold-gathering process, but chaos ensues when Charlie loses control, leading to disastrous injuries for both Warm and Morris.

In the aftermath, Eli rushes Charlie to a nearby town where his severe injuries lead to an amputation. Soon after, hired guns from the Commodore arrive, demanding their surrender—a conflict Eli confronts head-on. Subsequently, Eli and Charlie decide on a dramatic act of vengeance against the Commodore. Upon arriving in Oregon City, they discover that the Commodore has passed away. The brothers pay a visit to his open casket, where Eli delivers a punch to confirm the Commodore’s demise. With their mission now concluded, they head home to their mother, who, despite her initial suspicions, opens her arms to welcome them back.

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

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Sisters Brothers

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


Official Trailer

Final Trailer

THE SISTERS BROTHERS | "Hit Me” Clip

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.


shootout1850ssan francisco californiayear 1851oregoncalifornia19th centuryhitmanwild westhired gungold prospectingcommodoreprivate detectivebounty hunterchemistgunslingerbrother brother relationshipbased on novellooking at oneself in a mirrordrunkennesschemical burnshot in the headgoldoutlawhorsedead horsedead mancrying manangstone last jobregretreputationyear 1855held at gunpointspider biteamputated armarm cut offbrothelcampfirerestaurantcowboy hathorse on firebrushing teethvoice overspider in mouththunderstormnightmaredream sequencetied to a chairslapped in the face

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