No Country For Old Men (2007)

In 2007, Joel and Ethan Coen released their most unpredictable film yet: No Country For Old Men. A complex analysis of morality and masculinity, it questions American law and order and reflects on our own societal ideologies. With a contemporary and refreshing take on the Western genre, the Coen's subvert ever expectation I had going into this film.

The plot centres around three focal characters. Llewelyn Moss, a determined man being hunted after stumbling upon two million dollars, who we follow on his journey of escape. Ed Tom Bell, a questionable sheriff on his way out, providing subtle comedic relief and poignant monologues. And the methodical psychopath Anton Chigurh, a man motivated by his own morals and the flip of a coin.

Unique in it's soundscape and characters, No Country For Old Men sets itself apart from the typical psychological Western, with a harsh silence punctuating the most brutal and tense scenes: with this unfiltered violence setting the tone for the film. Characters question our own morals, with a intricate and intriguing narrative with all the twists, turns and blunt endings expected of a signature Coen film.

No Country For Old Men has certainly shaken up the Neo-Western genre, solidifying itself as one of the most compelling and captivating films I've ever seen. All it's elements work in harmony to curate a masterpiece of storytelling, illustrating the conflict of our own morals and creating a bleak look at the deepest depths of society, leading to what I believe to be the best Coen film yet, highly deserving of it's multiple Oscar's.