Cry Macho (2021) - Nostalgic drama with creative diversity - 9/10 (27/10/21)

Cry Macho is an emotional road movie and western drama that is much better than its lukewarm reception might suggest.

The film revolves around old rodeo star Mike Milo who has lost his family in a terrible accident and had to fight addiction and loneliness in order to stabilize his life on an isolated farm. One day, the man who has given him purpose and supported him throughout the years forces Mike Milo to bring his estranged teenage son from Mexico to the United States of America. However, the job turns out to be much more complicated than initially revealed since the teenage son is a rebellious runaway who has already been in conflict with the law on multiple occasions. Things take an even more complicated turn when it becomes evident that the boy's mother is a selfish femme fatale with ties to criminal organizations who doesn't hesitate to use violence to keep her teenage son under control. Tracked down by the police and hired guns, Mike Milo and the rebellious teenager must put their differences aside to make it to the border.

Clint Eastwood's movie convinces on numerous levels. The acting performances are great and especially Clint Eastwood himself convinces as tough, resilient and grumpy man with a sinister past but a true heart of gold. The relationships between the characters are very profound and especially the rebellious teenager portrayed by Eduardo Minett and the widowed restaurant owner played by Natalia Traven are easy to empathize with. The latter character also shows that you can develop a wonderful relationship with a person of a foreign culture whose language you barely understand since emotions break down barriers. Another strength of this film is the settings varying from lush mansions in Mexico City over impoverished villages in the country to isolated farms in Texas. The use of accessories, cars and clothes bring the seventies to life in authentic fashion and add a healthy dose of nostalgic atmosphere. While this movie is first and foremost a very human drama, it also includes thrilling elements such as sinister bullying, realistic car chases and even occasional fights with fists and guns. These brief and efficiently used thrilling moments keep the movie entertaining from start to finish. Let's not forget about the amazing rooster that gives the movie its name and that offers some comic relief in many tongue-in-cheek moments throughout the film.

At the end of the day, Cry Macho is a profound drama in a positively nostalgic road movie meets western style. Its characters are unique, its settings are authentic and the brief moments of thrills make the film entertaining from start to finish. Cry Macho is one of Clint Eastwood's greatest movies in recent memory and would represent an excellent conclusion to his impressive career that has left its mark on three generations and counting.