The Hateful Eight (2015)
During a post-Civil War Wyoming blizzard, bounty hunter John Ruth and his prisoner, Daisy Domergue, seek refuge at a remote stagecoach stop. There, they encounter Major Marquis Warren and several other dubious, isolated strangers. As suspicion mounts and secrets are exposed, the tension inside the cabin explodes into a violent confrontation, revealing betrayal and a deadly conspiracy.
Length: 2h47m
Genre: Western, Mystery, Crime
This Title is: Claustrophobic, Dialogue-Driven, Western Whodunit
Cast
Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Strong bloody violence, a scene of violent sexual content, language, and some graphic nudity
FAQ
- Is The Hateful Eight (2015) Based on a True Story?: No. It is an original screenplay by director Quentin Tarantino, though it is set in the historical post-Civil War era.
- Where was The Hateful Eight (2015) filmed?: Primarily filmed near Telluride, Colorado, for the exterior snowy landscapes, with interior scenes shot on a soundstage in Los Angeles, California.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Ennio Morricone
Filmmaker Profile
Director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino is known for his signature mix of stylized violence and memorable dialogue. This production stands as his highly theatrical Western, utilizing a claustrophobic, stage-play structure and being shot entirely on Ultra Panavision 70mm to create an epic feel for a contained story.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This production features tight direction and exceptional character work in a single, isolated setting. The dialogue crackles with tension and dark humor, turning a simple whodunit premise into a gripping, philosophical battle of wits. The 70mm cinematography beautifully captures the stark, unforgiving winter landscape, enhancing the sense of isolation and grandeur.
Main Character Deep Dive
Major Marquis Warren, played by Samuel L. Jackson, is central to the moral ambiguity of the story. His calculated intensity and internal conflict—balancing his pursuit of bounty hunting with his past as a respected Union officer—make his performance exceptional. His use of a letter from Lincoln is a powerful, deceptive tool he wields to control the volatile situation, cementing his commanding presence within the cabin.
Unforgettable Quote
“When you get to hell, John, tell them Daisy sent you.”
Trivia
- The vintage guitar smashed by Kurt Russell during an emotionally charged scene was an actual 19th-century antique, which was accidentally destroyed, shocking Jennifer Jason Leigh who thought the prop was a replica.
- The original score by Ennio Morricone earned him his first competitive Academy Award for Best Original Score, marking his first complete Western score in 34 years.
- Director Quentin Tarantino initially abandoned the production after the script leaked in 2014 and planned to publish it as a novel instead, before deciding to proceed with a revised screenplay.
Trailer
Stream The Hateful Eight (2015) on:
Our Review
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I absolutely adored the experience of watching this production. The masterful scripting keeps you on the edge of your seat as the eight dangerous characters circle one another in the snowbound cabin. The tension is palpable from the very first moments of the stagecoach ride, building steadily until the bloody, chaotic climax. The ensemble cast delivers some of the best performances of their careers, particularly Samuel L. Jackson and Jennifer Jason Leigh, who bring life to morally bankrupt, fascinating people. We get to watch these despicable strangers interact, lie, and scheme against a backdrop of post-Civil War hatred. The meticulous attention to detail and the stunning 70mm presentation made every shot look dramatically crisp. For fans of great writing and talented actors sinking their teeth into meaty roles, this is a suspenseful, highly rewarding journey through distrust and betrayal.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you love long, theatrical Western mysteries that showcase intense, dialogue-heavy confrontations and exceptional acting in a single, claustrophobic location.
