The Redeemer - What We Know So Far

There are few genres more distinctly American than the Western. As one of the oldest and most storied cinematic flavors, stories about the Wild West have captivated audiences for generations, by telling tales of love, revenge, and violence on the high plains. Though many have debated whether or not the Western is truly dead – or simply in need of rejuvenation — there's no question that the genre remains fertile ground, and that filmmakers have continued returning to it as they seek to present their unique spin on these classic tropes.

With all of that in mind, Westerns are about to get a shot of adrenaline with the upcoming release of "The Redeemer." Directed by Myles Clohessy, the film has gradually built up its ensemble in recent weeks and is about to begin production. On that note — and with the film exiting pre-production — it's worth diving in to take a look at some of the key details associated with "The Redeemer," and to get a sense of what audiences have in store.

At this time, "The Redeemer" does not currently have a set release date to speak of. However, it has been confirmed that the film is aiming to begin production in Montana sometime this month. As such, it seems reasonable to assume that the film may debut sometime next year.

Of course, with "The Redeemer" set to begin production soon, a release window will likely be determined by how things proceed on the set itself. The last two years have seen massive delays across the film industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and while those headlines have become somewhat less common now that there have been widespread vaccine rollouts, Covid-related production hiccups have continued plaguing even huge budget films like Marvel's "Doctor Strange" sequel (per The AV Club). There are other factors to consider, as well. Following incidents like the recent accidental shooting on the set of the Alec Baldwin film, "Rust," and widespread discussions regarding the use of firearms on movie sets, there's also the possibility that "The Redeemer" may proceed with a slower and more cautious production schedule than previously planned. Only time will tell.

Recent announcements have continued to flesh out the supporting ensemble of "The Redeemer." Specifically, a recent Deadline report has confirmed the inclusion of former Superman actor Brandon Routh, "Pocahontas" actress Irene Bedard, "Sons of Anarchy" actor Timothy V. Murphy, and "The Bog" actress Baylee Toney. One clear thread that seems to connect them all is that they have experience working in intense dramas crossing various time periods.

These recent cast announcements come on the heels of previous casting details that had already been confirmed. In fact, earlier reports had confirmed that "The Redeemer" had already cast "Bosch" lead actor Titus Welliver, "Blue Bloods" actor Robert Clohessy (the father of "The Redeemer" director Myles Clohessy), and "Yellowstone" actors Mo Brings Plenty and Eddie Spears. With much of the supporting cast of "The Redeemer" now in place, we will have to wait and see how the ensemble expands and evolves in the coming days.

A great western often has an easy-to-understand hook, and sure enough, that's where "The Redeemer" begins. The film is set in the 1880s and follows an aging war hero who embarks on a treacherous mission with his son to rescue his Native American wife after she is kidnapped. What follows is a dangerous trek through harsh winter conditions, and a deadly battle with her captors. 

As the crew begins production on the project, we can expect to learn more details about the film's overall story from there. Right off the bat, though, it's clear that "The Redeemer" is telling a story that plays to the strengths of the Western genre. At the same time, details surrounding how the story will be told make it seem like "The Redeemer" may break some new ground in its approach to the genre. Specifically, in his remarks about working on the film, director Myles Clohessy has noted that one major element of the film's production is the quest to ensure that the Native American tribes depicted in the movie are done in a way that's faithful to their historical roots, as well as respectful to their heritage. "[M]y utmost gratitude to the many members of the indigenous tribes of Montana for their assistance in bringing accuracy and a timely and relevant importance to this story. This film is dedicated to them and to the women of these Native American tribes both path and present who still have to fight for equal justice and safety in this country," the filmmaker said in a statement, per Deadline, and added, "Taken but not forgotten."