Chris Pratt appears in The Kid, a lesser-known Western film that explores the iconic story of Billy the Kid through a unique and troubled perspective. Directed by Vincent D’Onofrio, the movie was released in 2019 and offers a fresh but flawed take on the classic outlaw legend, blending familiar Western themes with a dark coming-of-age tale set in the Old West.
A New Angle on the Billy the Kid Legend
The Kid focuses on the legendary outlaw Billy the Kid, a figure who has inspired numerous Western films over the years, including Sam Peckinpah’s Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid and Howard Hughes’ The Outlaw. Rather than following Billy’s story directly, D’Onofrio frames the narrative through the eyes of Rio, a traumatized 14-year-old boy caught in a cycle of violence. As Rio struggles to escape his abusive family, his path crosses with some of the era’s most infamous figures, including Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett.
Rio’s story is shaped by the grip of his harsh Uncle Grant, played by Chris Pratt, who acts as an oppressive force determined to prevent Rio’s escape. Meanwhile, Ethan Hawke takes on the role of Sheriff Pat Garrett, and Dane DeHaan portrays Billy the Kid, anchoring the film with strong performances that highlight the tension between legend and lived experience.
Vincent D’Onofrio’s Vision and Its Narrative Challenges
Vincent D’Onofrio, known for his diverse career including his work as Wilson Fisk in Marvel’s Daredevil series, directed and acted in The Kid. His approach aims to offer a meditative and somewhat unconventional Western, using Rio’s troubled viewpoint to explore themes of violence and survival rather than the typical heroic outlaw saga. Despite these intentions, the film struggles with its storytelling in key areas.
Though the premise—where a young boy caught in abusive circumstances attempts to flee—holds promise for a gritty and emotional Western, the story falters in its final act. The climactic shootout, meant to be the film’s high point, comes across as rushed and implausible, undermining the film’s more grounded early acts. D’Onofrio addressed this issue in a 2019 interview with Den of Geek, acknowledging that some creative liberties were taken to allow the story’s romanticized Western elements.
“The thing about the idea of making a Western is that, especially from the point of view of a young man, you can romanticize it a little bit so you can get away with some stuff that’s not totally realistic. Whether in the way that they speak and scenarios that happen with the young boy, in the end, it’s a movie, and you can get away with a lot in a movie.”
— Vincent D’Onofrio, Director
While this explanation highlights the flexibility often afforded to Western storytelling, the screenplay by Andrew Lanham struggles to maintain credibility or subtlety, causing a disconnect between the film’s serious subjects and its heightened dramatic moments.
Character Depth and Gender Perspectives in the Film
Another notable shortcoming lies in the film’s handling of its female characters. Sara, Rio’s sister played by Leila George, is introduced with meaningful motivations but ultimately takes a backseat to the male-driven narrative. This sidelining undermines the film’s attempts to criticize patriarchal abuse and violence, weakening its thematic impact.
Nonetheless, the performances of Hawke and DeHaan provide an emotional core, elevating the film beyond its script flaws. Their portrayals bring complexity and tension to the iconic figures of Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett, helping to anchor the story amid its inconsistent plotting.
The Significance and Potential of This Overlooked Western
The Kid stands out as a distinct addition to the Western genre, largely due to Vincent D’Onofrio’s dual role as director and actor, as well as the presence of Chris Pratt in a notable supporting role. Although it falls short in narrative execution and character balance, it offers a unique perspective on the well-trodden Billy the Kid mythos by focusing on the experiences of a vulnerable child impacted by the violent men around him.
This film might appeal to fans of Westerns seeking a meditative and character-driven story rather than a traditional action-packed shootout. It also enriches the dialogue about how violent legacies affect young lives, though its narrative missteps limit its overall impact. For viewers interested in revisiting the lives of Old West outlaws through new lenses or exploring Pratt’s less familiar roles, The Kid offers an intriguing, if flawed, experience.
