Old Henry, a neo-Western

What a delightful neo-Western gem I discovered in Old Henry.

Director Potsy Ponciroli draws us in with his atmosphere from the very first frames.

Tim Blake Nelson is fully immersed in the role of the mysterious farmer Henry, who takes in a gunshot-wounded stranger (Stephen Dorff), who has turned up with a bag of money.

Their battle of wills plays out in charged glances between Henry's cryptic responses. Nelson here creates one of his best enigmatic protagonists.

When outlaws led by Trace (Scott Haze) come looking for him, the film unleashes a fast-paced cat-and-mouse action choreographed to perfection by Ponciroli.

The parched landscapes of 1906 Oklahoma, drenched in bronze sunlight, capture the fading frontier life. Cinematographer Laurie Rose is excellent.

The powerful performances keep the viewer expectant for every surprise. But it is Nelson, at his best as a leading man, who directs such a deft script.

Ponciroli directs at a measured pace that allows the characters and the mystery to macerate before the tension builds. He is a great new talent.

Old Henry left me searching for clues long afterwards, the mark of narrative genius. Lovers of complex novels won't want to miss it.