Place of Bones (2023) Review

Place of Bones (2023) Review

When a bloody bank robber Calhoun arrives near death at an isolated ranch, Pandora (Heather Graham) and her daughter Hester are forced to care for him in their remote cabin. Notorious outlaw gang leader Bear John is on the hunt for the bank’s haul of cash, and Calhoun, who killed several of his fellow bank robbers to keep the cash for himself.

Pandora becomes suspicious of Calhoun but is left with no time to prepare for bloodshed, as Bear John and his gang of thugs arrive intent on brutal revenge. However, Pandora is prepared to show the men that she will do anything to protect her daughter, even if it means having killer instincts.

Starring Heather Graham (BOOGIE NIGHTS), Tom Hopper (THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY) and Corin Nemec (PARKER LEWIS CAN’T LOSE), PLACE OF BONES is written by Richard Taylor (FRIGHT SHOW) and directed by Audrey Cummings (SHE DIES TOMORROW).

Firstly, I feel compelled to point out that I am not a fan of Westerns so initially I was reluctant to review PLACE OF BONES. However, as I then saw it referred to elsewhere as a ‘horror’ Western I swiftly overlooked the ‘Western’ part and agreed to give it a view. As it happens this is a thriller. There is an element of horror, but it is just that, a wee smidgeon of horror towards the film’s finish, but nothing more.

Filmed on a low budget PLACE OF BONES manages to get a lot of mileage out of limited locations – indeed for the most part the action takes place in and around Pandora’s cabin – and for someone who is not a fan of western-based flicks I warmed to it. The cast are good, the pacing steadfast, the tension taut and it delivers the thrills too. I warmly recommend it. Just remember not buy into the ‘horror’ labelling and approach it instead with a view to watching an agreeable thriller instead and you will not be disappointed.

PLACE OF BONES is available on Digital Platforms 16 September. Distributed by Signature Entertainment

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