This Western Just Skyrocketed to #2 Spot on HBO Max, but It's Not as Good as It Seems

Many viewers only remembered Killing Faith thanks to recommendation algorithms, and it unexpectedly shot to second place in HBO Max's charts. However, as is often the case with overnight hits, popularity doesn't always equate to quality.

Behind its attractive cover and Oscar-nominated star, Guy Pearce, lies a highly controversial flick that begins to crumble upon closer inspection.

It seems that director Ned Crowley has chosen to embrace tried-and-true genre clichés without adding his own twist.

What Is 'Killing Faith' About?

Set in 1849 in the vastness of the Wild West, the story revolves around a dark secret lurking among the dusty prairies. The plot centers on Sarah, a Black former slave who gained her freedom but is unable to protect her daughter.

The girl possesses a monstrous gift: any living creature she touches with her bare hands instantly dies. Sarah believes this gift is a curse that only a shaman living far beyond the horizon can lift.

However, settlers believe the girl is possessed by the devil and demand that Sarah rid herself of her. Unexpectedly, the savior appears to be Dr. Bender, who agrees to accompany Sarah and her daughter on a dangerous journey to the healer.

'Killing Faith' Doesn't Know What It Wants to Be – a Traditional Western or a Horror Movie

One of the main problems with Killing Faith is the director's inability to establish a clear genre: while Ned Crowley clearly intended to blend the dark atmosphere of a classic Western with elements of mystical horror, the result is a clumsy and unnatural mixture.

The girl's curse, which could have driven the plot and generated genuine suspense, is handled so superficially that we never understand the rules.

Why are only the palms deadly while the wrists and back of the hand pose no danger? Why does the girl eat with mittens – is she afraid of killing her fork? These questions remain unanswered because the screenwriter didn't bother defining the curse's mechanics.

Instead of delving deeply into mythology, the creators offer timid hints at the superstitions of the Wild West. However, they seem afraid to go too far.

'Killing Faith' Doesn't Have High-Quality Visuals or a Gripping Plot

The dated visuals deserve special mention: Crowley clearly attempted to give his work vintage charm, but these tricks only emphasize the unnaturalness of the on-screen action.

The computer-generated blood and cheap special effects are disappointing, especially compared to the convincing violence in other mystical Westerns starring Guy Pearce, such as Martin Koolhoven's Brimstone.

The plot is so formulaic that it becomes irritating halfway through. A stern man with a troubled past agrees to escort a defenseless woman and child through hostile lands – we've seen this plot in the Coen brothers' True Grit, Logan, and even the recent Netflix miniseries American Primeval.

The creators of these projects found ways to refresh the genre through unique visual styles, deep character psychology, and unexpected plot twists – Crowley has none of these.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Killing Faith'?

• Killing Faith has 78% from critics and 66% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 5.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, Killing Faith scored 2.9/5.0.