True Grit – Film Review

Joel and Ethan Coen’s True Grit (2010) is a masterful reimagining of the 1968 adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel, bringing a fresh yet deeply faithful approach to the source material. Starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin, the film takes audiences on an uncompromising journey through the harsh landscapes of the American frontier, blending the Coen brothers’ signature dark humor and sharp dialogue with a story rich in justice, perseverance, and vengeance. The result is an engaging and meticulously crafted Western that, while not radically reinventing the genre, stands as one of its most compelling modern entries.

The narrative follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a headstrong and fiercely intelligent girl seeking vengeance for her father’s murder at the hands of the cowardly outlaw Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Determined to see justice served, she hires U.S. Marshal Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a drunken but formidable lawman known for his brutality and experience. Joined by the self-assured and boastful Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who has been tracking Chaney for other crimes, the trio embarks on a dangerous pursuit deep into the unforgiving wilderness.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is Hailee Steinfeld’s astonishing performance as Mattie Ross. Despite her young age, Steinfeld delivers a performance that is poised, articulate, and forceful, capturing Mattie’s intelligence, wit, and unwavering moral conviction. She never appears as a helpless child; instead, she commands respect through her sheer determination and verbal dexterity. Steinfeld’s ability to hold her own against veteran actors like Bridges and Damon is remarkable, making her a standout presence throughout the film. It’s no surprise that this role catapulted her to stardom and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Jeff Bridges takes on the role of Rooster Cogburn, a character previously made iconic by John Wayne in the 1969 version of True Grit. Bridges, however, gives the character a rougher, more authentic edge, playing him as a man whose best days are far behind him. His speech is slurred, his body is worn, and his drinking is excessive, yet he remains a force to be reckoned with when duty calls. Bridges balances Cogburn’s comedic, disheveled demeanor with a steely resolve, making the character both entertaining and deeply compelling. His chemistry with Steinfeld forms the heart of the film, providing moments of humor, tension, and eventual camaraderie.

Matt Damon’s portrayal of Texas Ranger LaBoeuf is often overshadowed by the film’s central duo, but he brings an essential dynamic to the trio’s journey. Unlike Cogburn, LaBoeuf is proud, disciplined, and takes himself far too seriously. His clashes with both Mattie and Cogburn add a layer of humor and friction, making their interactions all the more engaging. Damon’s performance is nuanced, allowing LaBoeuf to evolve from an arrogant, somewhat insufferable figure into a man willing to sacrifice himself for the cause of justice. His final moment in the film is one of quiet heroism, adding depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

If the film has one minor shortcoming, it lies in its antagonist, Tom Chaney. Played by Josh Brolin, Chaney is less of a menacing villain and more of a pathetic, bumbling fool. While this characterization is faithful to the novel, it slightly undercuts the tension of the film’s climax. Brolin does well with the material given, but the character lacks the gravitas of a truly formidable adversary. Still, the decision to make Chaney a weak, cowardly man rather than a cunning villain aligns with the film’s themes—Mattie’s true test isn’t overcoming an imposing enemy, but rather enduring the harsh realities of her quest for justice.

As with their other works, the Coen brothers bring a meticulous eye for detail and a unique tonal balance to True Grit. The film maintains a steady rhythm, never rushing the narrative but never allowing it to drag. The dialogue, lifted almost verbatim from Portis’ novel, is filled with old-fashioned eloquence that gives the film a sense of authenticity and poetic grandeur. Unlike their more subversive takes on genre (No Country for Old Men, Fargo), the Coens opt for a relatively straightforward approach here, which works in the film’s favor.

Roger Deakins’ cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The sweeping landscapes, from snow-covered forests to desolate prairies, capture the beauty and brutality of the Old West. Deakins’ use of lighting—particularly in the film’s night sequences—adds a dreamlike quality to the otherwise harsh realism.

Complementing the visuals is Carter Burwell’s haunting score, which leans heavily on 19th-century hymns, evoking themes of faith, perseverance, and redemption. The music never overpowers the film but rather subtly enhances its emotional weight, particularly in the final moments.

While True Grit functions as an engaging adventure story, it also delves into deeper themes of justice, vengeance, and resilience. Mattie’s unwavering pursuit of Chaney reflects the moral absolutism of youth—she sees the world in black and white, believing that wrongdoers must be punished no matter the cost. However, as the film progresses, she comes to understand that justice is rarely so clear-cut and that revenge carries consequences. The film does not glorify violence but rather presents it as a harsh necessity in an unforgiving world.

True Grit (2010) is a beautifully crafted Western that remains both entertaining and thematically rich. The Coen brothers’ dedication to Charles Portis’ novel, combined with stellar performances—particularly from Hailee Steinfeld and Jeff Bridges—make this a film that stands the test of time. While it may not be as groundbreaking as some of the Coens’ other works, it is a loving tribute to the genre that respects its traditions while subtly modernizing its sensibilities.

True Grit is a worthy addition to the Western genre, offering audiences a poignant, visually stunning, and character-driven tale of perseverance and moral reckoning.