The Homesman

In Tommy Lee Jones's second Western in the director's chair, Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars as Mary Bee Cuddy, a pious 1850s pioneer, described as “plain as a tin pail.” A self-sufficient spinster, Mary Bee volunteers to transport to civilization three wailing, often hysterical young wives (Grace Gummer, Mirando Otto, Sonja Richter) who have gone insane from the hardships of frontier life in the Nebraska Territories. Driving a wagon with barred windows, she is to deliver the women to a Hebron, IA, parish where they'll be cared for. Almost immediately, Mary Bee realizes that she'll need assistance, which is why she rescues claim-jumping scoundrel George Briggs (Jones) from the hangman's noose after he grudgingly agrees to accompany her on the difficult, dangerous journey. As resilient, resourceful Bee, Swank embodies mid-19th-century feminism, valiantly coping with emotional and psychological alienation and isolation, while Jones consistently surprises as ornery, taciturn Briggs. Plus there are cameos from James Spader, as an inhospitable hotelier; John Lithgow, as a preacher; Tim Blake Nelson, as a drifter; and Meryl Streep, as a churchwoman. Based on Glendon Swarthout's 1988 novel, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Shooting the Film” (27 min.), “Origins” (22 min.), and “Beyond the Western” (12 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray is a bonus UltraViolet copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a smart Western.] (S. Granger)