Samuel L. Jackson’s performance in The Unholy Trinity stands head and shoulders above an otherwise uninspired Western, captivating audiences with his commanding presence amid a troubled story. As the film unfolds in Trinity, Montana, it becomes clear that Jackson elevates the material, overshadowing weaker elements and lackluster characters.
Samuel L. Jackson Brings Nuance to an Unimpressive Script
Known for unforgettable roles in films like Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown, Samuel L. Jackson once again proves himself a master of tone and timing. His ability in The Unholy Trinity to lure viewers in with warmth before switching to a dangerously cunning edge sets him apart from his peers, showcasing why audiences continue to be drawn to his work.
Jackson’s portrayal of St. Christopher, a former slave betrayed by his partner and on a quest for stolen gold, adds a much-needed complexity to the plot. With a mischievous and manipulative edge, St. Christopher weaves through the town, convincing its flawed residents to do his bidding while keeping them unaware of his true intentions. Jackson performs the role with an infectious sense of glee, bringing an energy that nearly redeems the screenplay.
Flawed Protagonist Drags Down the Story
In contrast to Jackson’s memorable performance, Brandon Lessard’s character, Henry Broadway, remains a blank slate. Introduced as the son of a convicted murderer seeking vengeance against a corrupt sheriff, Henry’s personal arc is quickly sidelined, rendering him nearly irrelevant despite being the supposed protagonist. His journey through grief and violence barely registers, overshadowed by Jackson’s and his co-stars’ more captivating presences.
The film’s structure repeatedly places Henry at the center, but each time the narrative returns to him, it feels forced and unearned. The effect is reminiscent of a retelling of Hamlet that inexplicably focuses on a background character, stripping the story of any dramatic anchor.
Sheriff and Townsfolk Offer Missed Opportunities
Pierce Brosnan plays Sheriff Gabriel Dove, an Irish immigrant maintaining order amid Trinity’s chaos. Brosnan imbues the character with stoic patience and composure while dealing with mob mentality and racism. Q’orianka Kilcher portrays Running Cub, accused of murdering the previous sheriff and caught at the intersection of town prejudice and the sheriff’s efforts to keep the peace. Both performances hint at richer storylines, suggesting that focusing on their characters could have resulted in a more compelling Western.
Instead, the film relegates its best characters to supporting roles, missing the chance to explore the real tension and complexity present in the setting. The evil sheriff, referenced but unseen, looms as another intriguing figure lost to the margins.
Cast Outshines the Film’s Weak Foundation
Jackson, Brosnan, and Kilcher inject their scenes with a vitality often lacking in the script. Whether Brosnan is navigating chaotic action or Kilcher is tasked with heavy drama, their skill lifts otherwise tedious material. The story’s most engaging moments unfold when these actors are given space to lead the screen, especially Jackson, whose portrayal of St. Christopher at times borders on theatrical—like Rumpelstiltskin reveling in mischief.
The creative talent of the cast cannot rescue the story from its repetitive themes and uninspired direction. While moments of suspense and intrigue briefly emerge, they are too often dragged down by a protagonist who fails to hold the audience’s interest. The cast fights valiantly against a script that works against them, ensuring that even their best efforts only partially save the film.
Why Only Jackson’s Work Is Worth Watching
While The Unholy Trinity’s direction and cinematography are merely serviceable, it is Samuel L. Jackson’s performance that commands attention throughout. Richard Gray’s film never quite becomes painful to watch, but its reliance on worn-out Western tropes and lack of narrative courage prevent it from rising above mediocrity. There are stronger Westerns available to viewers, yet Jackson’s turn as the diabolical St. Christopher provides pockets of genuine entertainment in an otherwise forgettable story.
By the film’s end, it is clear that Samuel L. Jackson’s performance in The Unholy Trinity is the sole compelling reason to endure this uneven Western. His dynamic energy offers a masterclass in character work, leaving a mark that the movie itself struggles to replicate in any other respect. For audiences drawn to tension and intensity, Jackson’s presence remains a bright spot in an otherwise overcast tale.
