Gunfighter Paradise
| Gunfighter Paradise | |
|---|---|
Release poster | |
| Directed by | Jethro Waters |
| Written by | Jethro Waters |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Jethro Waters |
| Edited by | Jethro Waters |
| Music by |
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Production company | Waters Film |
Release dates |
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Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Gunfighter Paradise is a 2024 American dark comedy horror film written and directed by Jethro Waters. It stars Jessica Hecht, Valient Himself of Valient Thorr, Burk Uzzle, Braz Cubas, and Joel Loftin.
Gunfighter Paradise is an example of auteur film, having been written, directed, produced, shot, edited, and scored by Jethro Waters.[2] The film has been noted as a semi-autobiographical dark comedy that explores religion in America.[3] Critics have referred to the film as surrealist and experimental as well as sardonic, satirical and absurdist.[4] Multiple critics have also noted the film's pithy dialogue and unique blocking and cinematography.[5] The film has been compared to the work the Coen Brothers and David Lynch,[6] as well as Luis Buñuel.[7]
Iconic Italian poster artist Renato Casaro painted the movie poster for Gunfighter Paradise.[8]
Plot
Gunfighter Paradise follows a camouflaged hunter (Cubas) as he returns home to North Carolina with a mysterious green case. Following the death of his mother (Hecht), he moves into the old family home where he is haunted by the voices of God, hallucinogenic visions, and many strange visitors, including Civil War Reenactors, a cable man, zealous Christian neighbors, and an assassin.[9]
Cast
- Jessica Hecht as The Mother
- Valient Himself as The Brother
- Braz Cubas as Stoner
- Joel Loftin as Joel
- Burk Uzzle as Uncle Dean
Release
Gunfighter Parardise officially released in theaters on February 27, 2026.[10] The film screened in film festivals beginning March 9, 2024, in competition at the Midwest WeirdFest Film Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where it won the Best Film prize.[11] It subsequently screened at RiverRun International Film Festival[12] and FilmFest Bremen in Bremen, Germany.[13]
References
- ^ Scherer, McKenna (January 24, 2024). "MidWest WeirdFest Sure Brings the Weird With First Wave of Films". VolumeOne.org. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
- ^ Rojas, Morgan (May 17, 2024). "'Gunfighter Paradise' Review: God, Guns, and the American South". Cinemacy. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ Propes, Richard (May 17, 2024). "Movie Review: Gunfighter Paradise". The Independent Critic. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ Rhoten, Christopher. "Gunfighter Paradise Is a God-and-Guns Parable". Film Obsessive. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ Neves, Mario. "'Gunfighter Paradise' is Nirvana for Film Nerds But Struggles To Hit Satirical Mark". The New York Sun. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ Lepire, Bobby (April 30, 2024). "Gunfighter Paradise Movie Review". Film Threat. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ Offer, Avi. "Gunfighter Paradise Review". NY Movie Guru. NY Movie Guru. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ "GUEST FILMMAKERS 2024". Midwest WeirdFest. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ Furzan, Federico (May 7, 2024). "Gunfighter Paradise (2024) Film Review". Movie-Blogger.com. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ Renner, Amy. "Everything You Need to Know About Gunfighter Paradise Movie". Movie Insider. Retrieved March 3, 2026.
- ^ "8th Annual MidWest WeirdFest Announces Winning Films & Screenplays". Midwest Weirdfest. March 11, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ "Gunfighter Paradise". RiverRun Film. March 20, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
- ^ "Gunfighter Paradise German Premiere". FilmFest Bremen. March 7, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.