The story is set in the American Old West, where a young Scottish man named Jay Cavendish (played by Kodi Smit-McPhee) travels to Colorado in pursuit of his lost love, Rose Ross (played by Caren Pistorius). Jay is inexperienced and naive, making him vulnerable in the harsh and dangerous wilderness.
He encounters Silas Selleck (played by Michael Fassbender), a mysterious and experienced frontiersman, who offers to help Jay navigate the dangerous territory in exchange for payment. Unbeknownst to Jay, Silas has his own motives for assisting him.
As they journey together, Jay and Silas face various challenges, including encounters with hostile individuals and dangerous situations. Silas gradually reveals more about his own past and his connection to Rose’s whereabouts.
In the climax, Jay and Silas reach the Ross family’s homestead, where they find themselves in a confrontation with Payne (played by Ben Mendelsohn), a villainous character with a dark history. The film builds to a poignant and tragic resolution, highlighting the harsh realities of the Old West.
“Slow West” received positive reviews for its unique take on the Western genre, atmospheric cinematography, and strong performances, particularly by Fassbender and Smit-McPhee. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the challenges of survival in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.