“A boy, a legend, and the law—caught in a deadly game.”
The Kid, directed by Vincent D’Onofrio, is a modern Western that retells the final days of Billy the Kid—through the eyes of a child running from his own demons. With a blend of real history and emotional fiction, the film explores innocence lost, justice blurred, and the choice to become more than the world allows.
A Boy on the Run
Rio Cutler (Jake Schur) kills his abusive father in a desperate attempt to protect his mother. But his uncle Grant (Chris Pratt), cruel and vengeful, won’t let the family go free. Rio flees with his sister Sara (Leila George), hoping to escape both the law and blood ties.
On their journey, the children cross paths with Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan), already a living legend—and now a fugitive. Caught between the outlaw and the lawman, Rio’s choices grow heavier with every mile.
Legends Collide
Sheriff Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke) is closing in. His mission is simple: bring Billy in—dead or alive. But nothing is simple in the West. As Garrett tracks his target and Billy resists, Rio finds himself pulled into a larger story, one of loyalty, power, and fate.
In the end, it’s not about who wins the gunfight. It’s about who the boy chooses to become.
Why The Kid Stands Out
- Chris Pratt as the Villain: A rare, menacing turn that breaks from his usual charm.
- Ethan Hawke as Pat Garrett: A performance full of grit, honor, and quiet sorrow.
- A New Lens on History: Focuses on Rio’s personal journey, making the legends human again.
Release and Reception
Released on March 8, 2019, by Lionsgate, The Kid holds a 5.9/10 rating on IMDb. Critics praised the performances—especially Hawke and Pratt—but noted uneven pacing and a predictable arc. Still, for Western fans, it delivers a grounded and heartfelt story with echoes of classic Americana.