The Hateful Eight - movie review

Overview

The reviewer opens by noting that The Hateful Eight is Tarantino’s eighth written/directed film, and that they went in with vague expectations—especially since even the trailer felt vague.

Plot Setup & Format

The story begins with Kurt Russell as a bounty hunter who encounters Samuel L. Jackson—also a bounty hunter. Together, they’re forced to shelter during a blizzard with a small group of other characters. With eight people trapped in a cabin, the film quickly takes on a “who-done-it” mystery structure, explicitly compared to Clue.

The driving force is classic Tarantino fare:

• tense, back-and-forth dialogue
• escalating suspicion as the strangers interact and reveal little by little

Performances & Standout Moments

A major highlight is the film’s dialogue-led performance focus:

• Samuel L. Jackson is praised as delivering a crushing performance.
• Kurt Russell is also singled out as a standout.
• Jennifer Jason Leigh surprises the reviewer by delivering a strong performance, even though she “isn’t supposed to be” a standout.
• Bruce Dern receives a special reaction moment—described as looking horrified in a memorable scene that leaves the reviewer wanting to “pat him on the head.”

Visuals, Technical Craft, and “Movie as Experience”

Visually and technically, the reviewer emphasizes Tarantino’s devotion to film:

• The movie is shot in 70mm.
• The opening evokes a “Golden Age” feel.
• The reviewer delights in the look, contrasting it with modern digital/3D trends.

They describe the film as an experience, not just a movie—spanning everything from the overture to intermission—and note that the long runtime (three hours) feels like it transports the viewer “five decades” back.

Music Praise

The reviewer strongly praises the music, especially:

• the eerie, tension-building score during the opening overture

They jokingly suggest that listening to it at home would make you instantly betray yourself (“which one of you did it?”), since the music amplifies suspicion to near unbearable levels.

Main Complaint

The reviewer’s primary criticism is pacing in the mystery reveal:

• With eight suspects, the guessing game is fun as characters get ruled out.
• However, the big revelation/answers arrive “too soon,” ending the mystery earlier than the reviewer wanted.
• They feel the buildup to the payoff is compromised because the “Tarantino carnage” happens after too much of the mystery has already been unraveled.

Overall Verdict

Despite that complaint, the overall verdict is overwhelmingly positive. The reviewer calls it:

• a unique cinematic experience
• driven by great dialogue
• supported by strong acting
• anchored by a memorable mystery

They conclude by praising Tarantino’s quotable lines (imagining them being used in film schools) and end with the customary question about whether viewers have seen it and what their favorite Tarantino film is.

Notable Personalities Mentioned

• Quentin Tarantino (director/writer)
• Kurt Russell
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Jennifer Jason Leigh
• Bruce Dern