“Redemption isn’t given—it’s taken.”
Rust is a brooding Western drama directed by Joel Souza. Set against the lawless backdrop of 1880s America, it’s a story of blood ties, survival, and second chances. Led by Alec Baldwin in a weathered, complex role, the film explores the thin line between justice and mercy in a world where both are hard to come by.
A Boy on the Gallows, a Grandfather with a Gun
Thirteen-year-old Lucas Hollister (Patrick Scott McDermott) is forced to grow up fast after losing his parents in rural Wyoming. When a confrontation turns deadly, he’s convicted of killing a rancher—an accident that earns him a death sentence.
But just before his execution, an unexpected savior appears: Harland Rust (Alec Baldwin), Lucas’s estranged grandfather and a legendary outlaw. He breaks Lucas free, and together they set out on a desperate journey toward New Mexico.
Chased by the Law, Haunted by the Past
Their flight isn’t quiet. Hot on their trail is Marshal Wood Helm (Josh Hopkins), alongside “Preacher” Lang (Travis Fimmel), a bounty hunter as dangerous as he is unhinged. As the chase intensifies, the film weaves through violent shootouts, moral gray zones, and raw frontier survival.
At its core, Rust is not just about escape—it’s about reckoning. Harland must confront the violence in his past. Lucas must face the weight of growing up in a world that shows no mercy.
Why the Film Resonates
- Alec Baldwin’s Lead Role: Gritty, haunted, and layered with regret.
- Old-School Western Vibes: Gunfights, horse chases, and harsh justice.
- Emotional Core: A bond between two broken souls, fighting for something to hold on to.
Release and Legacy
Rust premiered at the Camerimage Film Festival on November 20, 2024, and released theatrically on May 2, 2025. It currently holds a 4.5/10 rating on IMDb. While praised for its performances and Western authenticity, critics pointed to uneven pacing and narrative flaws.
The film also carries the shadow of the tragic on-set accident in 2021, which delayed production and led to legal battles. Despite the controversy, Rust stands as a harsh, character-driven Western that doesn’t shy away from darkness.