Hell or High Water is a modern western that follows two estranged brothers, one being an ex-con (Ben Foster) and the other a divorced father (Chris Pine), who have to turn to a desperate scheme in order to stop the bank from assuming control of their family’s farm in western Texas.

The opening scene of the film instantaneously throws the viewer into the desolate, barren city and side streets these brothers use as their personal playground to raise hell. In hoodies and ski masks, Toby (Pine) and Tanner (Foster) go on a string of robberies, hitting bank after bank, drawing the attention of Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his experienced deputy, Alberto (Gil Birmingham).

The most attractive aspect of this film is the performances that each and every one of the highly skilled actors deliver throughout the film’s one hour and 42 minute runtime. Pine has shined in every movie he has participated in, including the Star Trek trilogy, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and This Is War, but no previous role can hold a candle to Hell or High Water. As always, Foster commands most of the scenes he is in. Bridges does what he does best and perfectly portrays the ruthless ranger, dedicated to the downfall of the film’s protagonist.

Each character is vastly different in every sense of the word. Pine’s character is calculated. His character does not take a single step without thinking whether or not there is a better way things can be done, naturally being the one who makes the plans for the dynamic duo. Foster’s character is a wild-card. There is no telling what his next move is going to be, because he is so erratic in mood, actions, and words. Bridges’ character is a rugged, focused, powerful policeman who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of catching the felonious brothers, serving as a perfect foil to Pine and Foster.

Looking at what Hollywood has been releasing recently, remakes of old classics and films with repetitive, boring plots where the only discernible difference between movies are the names of the characters, it is almost refreshing to find such a unique gem like Hell or High Water.

This is a masterpiece that is expected among critics to hit it big in the upcoming award season in the categories of acting, direction, cinematography, and screenplay. The question should not be if moviegoers should see Hell or High Water; it should be a question of how soon.