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Hostiles

Name: Hostiles
Director: Scott Cooper
Released: 2017
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

2017

Director

Scott Cooper

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Hostiles succeeds as a revisionist Western by centering Indigenous perspectives and deconstructing the traditional mythos of frontier expansion. It moves away from romanticized archetypes to examine the systemic violence of the US Cavalry and the trauma of displacement. While the film excels in cultural and racial depth, it remains limited by a lack of LGBTQ+ representation and a reliance on traditional gender roles. The portrayal of disability is primarily tied to combat-induced psychological trauma rather than broader neurodivergent conditions. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to treat the era's 'justice' as a moral absolute, instead framing it as a cycle of dehumanization.

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Category Breakdown

Does Hostiles have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on straight and cisgender relationships and traditional family structures. There is no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.

How does Hostiles portray gender?

Fair

Rosalie challenges traditional gender roles through her resilience and intelligence, serving as a strong counterpoint to the performative masculinity of the soldiers.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Hostiles?

Good

The film highlights the Indigenous experience and shifts the focus away from Anglo-centric pioneer stereotypes. It provides depth to Cheyenne characters, challenging historical erasure through a significant Native American cast.

How does Hostiles represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film engages with post-colonial critiques by portraying Western institutions as engines of systemic violence. It deconstructs the myth of manifest destiny through a complex historical lens.

Does Hostiles include disability representation?

Fair

Combat-induced psychological trauma is explored as an invisible disability, driving character arcs but often serving as a plot tension device.

Present on Screen

The film provides a significant role in driving the story to Indigenous characters, moving beyond traditional Western caricatures.
It offers a sophisticated post-colonial critique of manifest destiny and Western institutions.
Rosalie serves as a resilient, intelligent character who challenges patriarchal military hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Disability is primarily used as a plot device for tension rather than exploring sustained ability to act.
The film remains largely centered on straight and traditional family structures.

Official Synopsis

A legendary Native American-hating Army captain nearing retirement in 1892 is given one last assignment: to escort a Cheyenne chief and his family through dangerous territory back to his Montana reservation.

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