Cut Bank

Synopsis

Cut Bank is a 2014 neo-noir thriller set in a small Montana town where a seemingly simple murder leads to a complex web of deception and crime. When a local murder is captured on video, the case spirals out of control involving an ambitious local man who dreams of escaping his dead-end life. The film blends dark humor, suspense, and mystery as it explores themes of desperation, ambition, and the darker sides of human nature. Featuring a headline-grabbing cast including Liam Hemsworth, the story unfolds in twists and turns, revealing the underbelly of a quiet town where appearances can be deceiving.

Cast

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  Liam Hemsworth

  Dwayne McLaren

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  Teresa Palmer

  Cassandra Steeley

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  John Malkovich

  Sheriff Vogel

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  Bruce Dern

  Georgie Wits

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  Billy Bob Thornton

  Stan Steeley

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  Michael Stuhlbarg

  Derby Milton

Reviews

Cut Bank received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike, reflected in its ratings: IMDb gives it a 6.1/10, Rotten Tomatoes rates it 38%, and Metacritic scores it 44/100. On Rotten Tomatoes, critics pointed out that while the film had an atmospheric setting and intriguing premise, it ultimately failed to deliver compelling narrative momentum or fully realized characters. The site’s consensus suggests that Cut Bank "tries to weave a complicated thriller but ends up feeling contrived and uneven." Metacritic’s aggregation highlights similar concerns, noting that "pleasantly photographed but weakly written, Cut Bank struggles to transcend genre clichés." However, some reviews appreciated the performances, particularly from Liam Hemsworth and supporting actors, for adding depth to an otherwise predictable plot. Audiences on IMDb also show a divide, with some praising the film’s tension and style, while others criticize its pacing and narrative coherence. Overall, Cut Bank is viewed as a modest thriller with moments of interest but hampered by an underwhelming script and execution.