Cast
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January Jones
as Sarah Ramírez
Jason Isaacs
as Prophet Josiah
Ed Harris
as Sheriff Cornelius Jackson
Eduardo Noriega
as Miguel Ramírez
Stephen Root
as Hugh
Luce Rains
as Kingfisher
Amy Madigan
as Madame Bovary
Jason Aldean
as Daniel
Kathy Lamkin
as Bertha Jean
Vic Browder
as Martin
Dylan Kenin
as Jim
J. B. Tuttle
as Curly
Kevin Wiggins
as Barley
Mia Stallard
as Isabel
Jiji Hise
as Gretchen
Crew
Director
- Logan Miller
Producer
- Noah Miller
- Jason Netter
- Logan Miller
Reviews
wrjte51
Kind of an odd western. Especially the performance by Ed Harris, who always seems to put his "all" into what he doing regardless if it is a little quirky or not. January Jones makes for a great looking avenging angel even if her acting style is a little bland. For fans of westerns it is worth a watch.
Aug 28, 2016
Wuchak
**_Dealing with a false minister in Bleakwater, New Mexico_**
A homesteading couple have the misfortune of living near a questionable religious leader (Jason Isaacs) and his compound. The wife (January Jones) soon finds herself facing a great challenge while an unusual-but-righteous lawman (Ed Harris) takes over the Sheriff duties of the nearby town.
"Sweetwater” (2013) is reminiscent of three 70’s Westerns: It features the desperate loneliness and vast landscapes of “Bad Company,” the ugly side of the Old West of “The Great Minnesota Northfield Raid,” and the quirky tone of “The Missouri Breaks,” not to mention the eccentric-but-bold protagonist of the latter film. A couple of more modern Westerns also come mind: “South of Heaven, West of Hell” and “The Proposition.”
This is better than a couple of those, but not as good as the top ones. Still, if you like any of ’em, you’ll probably appreciate “Sweetwater.” It features a love-to-hate villain in the manner of “Rob Roy” and “Inglourious Basterds.”
A viewer criticized the protagonist, Sarah, for being a prostitute, yet this isn’t true. She had totally turned from her former lifestyle, which she was misled into by her mother. She's actually a loving wife of her humble husband (Eduardo Noriega).
This same critic lamented the depiction of "evil Christians," but they obviously aren't actual disciples of Christ. To explain, the Lord plainly instructed us to "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them... A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them... Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (from Matthew 7:15-23).
So, the ‘Prophet’ in the movie isn't a real believer, but rather a false prophet. This can be observed near the end when he shoots a sheep for no reason, which symbolizes that he doesn't care about the "sheep" of the Church and actively destroys them. It's also relevant that the film implies he was a Mormon, as opposed to a strictly biblical believer, since he hailed from Utah and left several wives behind there.
Unfortunately, the flick doesn't provide a counterbalance to Josiah, such as the way "The Mist" used Amanda (Laurie Holden) to offset the Pharisaical Mrs. Carmody (Gay Harden).
It runs 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was shot at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe as well as Abiquiu, which is a 65 miles drive north of the ranch in north-central New Mexico.
GRADE: B
Apr 6, 2025
Thematic Analysis
Sweetwater represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Logan Miller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sweetwater took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sweetwater shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Babylon A.D., which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sweetwater subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Three and The Hills Have Eyes explore similar territory, Sweetwater stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 9, 2013
Where to Watch
