The Highwaymen (2019) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Introduction to “The Highwaymen” (2019)
Released in 2019, The Highwaymen is a historical crime drama directed by John Lee Hancock that offers a fresh perspective on the notorious Bonnie and Clyde story. Instead of focusing on the outlaws themselves, the film tells the story from the viewpoint of the lawmen who brought them to justice. Featuring stellar performances by Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as former Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, the film explores themes of justice, morality, and redemption during one of America’s most infamous manhunts.
In this review, we’ll break down the film’s plot, its strong performances, and where you can stream or rent The Highwaymen online in America today.
Plot Overview: The Hunt for Bonnie and Clyde
Set in 1934, The Highwaymen follows the real-life retired Texas Rangers Frank Hamer (Kevin Costner) and Maney Gault (Woody Harrelson) as they come out of retirement to hunt down the infamous bank-robbing couple Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The story begins as the Great Depression grips the country, and Bonnie and Clyde have become folk heroes, glorified by the public as they continue their crime spree, robbing banks and killing law enforcement officers.
The authorities, led by the Texas governor Miriam “Ma” Ferguson (Kathy Bates), struggle to capture Bonnie and Clyde, so they turn to the old-school methods of Hamer and Gault. Hamer, who is no longer in service, reluctantly agrees to take on the mission, enlisting his old partner Gault, who has also fallen on hard times. Together, they embark on a cross-country manhunt, tracking the elusive outlaws using old-fashioned grit, experience, and intuition.
Throughout the film, Hamer and Gault confront their own pasts and the moral dilemmas of bringing violent justice to the criminals. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that this is not a glorification of Bonnie and Clyde, but rather a somber reflection on the cost of violence and the toll it takes on those pursuing justice.
A Character-Driven Crime Drama
What sets The Highwaymen apart from other depictions of the Bonnie and Clyde story is its focus on the men tasked with ending their reign of terror. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson deliver compelling performances, embodying the weariness of two lawmen haunted by their pasts and the brutal realities of their mission. Costner’s portrayal of Frank Hamer is stoic and determined, while Harrelson’s Maney Gault brings a touch of vulnerability and humor to the otherwise serious narrative.
The film doesn’t romanticize the lives of Bonnie and Clyde but instead offers a grounded, realistic portrayal of the lawmen who dedicated themselves to stopping the outlaws. While Bonnie and Clyde remain largely off-screen for much of the movie, their presence looms as a constant threat. The filmmakers intentionally steer clear of glamorizing the criminals, focusing instead on the emotional and ethical burdens carried by those on the side of the law.
Direction and Cinematography: A Gritty, Dusty Vision of America
Director John Lee Hancock, known for films like The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks, creates a somber and atmospheric tone throughout The Highwaymen. The film is shot in a way that emphasizes the vast, desolate landscapes of rural America during the Great Depression. Cinematographer John Schwartzman captures the barren plains and dusty roads, mirroring the isolation and difficulty faced by Hamer and Gault as they track down their targets.
The pacing of the film is slow and deliberate, allowing the characters to reflect on their motivations and the harsh realities of their mission. While some viewers may find the film’s tempo to be more methodical than action-packed, it works to emphasize the gravity of the story and the weight of the task at hand.
The film also dives into the public perception of Bonnie and Clyde, exploring how the duo became mythologized as Robin Hood-like figures, despite their violent crimes. This dynamic adds another layer to the story, as Hamer and Gault grapple with public sentiment while pursuing the dangerous couple.
Themes of Justice, Morality, and Redemption
At its core, The Highwaymen is about two aging men seeking redemption through one final act of justice. Frank Hamer and Maney Gault both carry the burden of their violent pasts as Texas Rangers, and their mission to stop Bonnie and Clyde is not just about law enforcement — it’s about finding closure in a world that has left them behind.
The film touches on the complexities of justice and the gray areas between right and wrong. Hamer and Gault know that capturing Bonnie and Clyde will likely end in a bloody confrontation, but they also understand that the public’s perception of the criminals complicates their task. As the public idolizes the outlaws, the lawmen are seen as relics of a bygone era, facing a moral dilemma as they wrestle with their own humanity.
Where to Watch “The Highwaymen” (2019) Online in America
As The Highwaymen is a Netflix original, it’s primarily available for streaming on Netflix. Here’s where you can watch it:
- Netflix
- Availability: The Highwaymen is available exclusively on Netflix, making it easy to stream for subscribers of the service.
- Subscription: Netflix’s basic plan starts at $6.99 per month, but this may vary depending on the features you choose (such as ad-free streaming and multiple devices).
- Region: The film is available on Netflix U.S. and may also be available in other countries, depending on regional streaming rights.
Why Watch “The Highwaymen”?
The Highwaymen is a refreshing take on the Bonnie and Clyde saga, offering a morally complex and character-driven story that explores the perspectives of the lawmen rather than the criminals. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson deliver captivating performances as two world-weary Texas Rangers, and their chemistry on-screen is one of the film’s highlights.
If you’re interested in historical crime dramas, westerns, or character studies that dive into the gray areas of justice and morality, The Highwaymen is a must-watch. Its meditative pace and focus on the emotional toll of law enforcement offer a fresh and grounded perspective on a well-known chapter in American history.
Conclusion: Stream The Highwaymen on Netflix Today
The Highwaymen is an engaging and thoughtful film that offers a nuanced view of one of America’s most famous crime stories. Its focus on the lawmen who brought Bonnie and Clyde to justice provides a fresh perspective that’s both emotionally resonant and historically intriguing. With its exclusive availability on Netflix, it’s a perfect film to add to your streaming queue for a night of gripping drama and reflection.
