Hell or High Water (2016), directed by David Mackenzie and written by Taylor Sheridan, is a modern Western that blends sharp social commentary with a gripping crime drama. Set against the backdrop of economically struggling West Texas, the film follows two brothers embarking on a series of bank robberies to save their family ranch while being pursued by a relentless Texas Ranger. With its richly drawn characters, poignant storytelling, and stunning cinematography, the film examines themes of family, loyalty, and the enduring struggles of the American working class.

Toby Howard (Chris Pine), a divorced father, and his volatile ex-convict brother, Tanner (Ben Foster), are driven to desperate measures after their late mother’s ranch falls into the hands of a bank threatening foreclosure. To reclaim the property and provide a future for Toby’s sons, the brothers hatch a risky plan: robbing branches of the same bank that holds their family’s debt. Their methodical approach involves stealing small amounts of cash to avoid large-scale attention, but Tanner’s unpredictable behavior often complicates their missions.

On their trail is Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges), a grizzled and soon-to-retire Texas Ranger with a sharp wit and a knack for profiling criminals. Accompanied by his younger partner, Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham), Marcus methodically pieces together the brothers’ motives and next moves. The dynamic between Marcus and Alberto is one of the film’s highlights, blending humor, camaraderie, and moments of quiet introspection as they navigate the moral complexities of their pursuit.

The film’s narrative is propelled by the tension between the brothers’ escalating heists and the Rangers’ pursuit, culminating in a series of confrontations that reveal the personal stakes driving each character. Tanner’s recklessness contrasts with Toby’s calculated determination, and their bond is both their greatest strength and vulnerability. The brothers’ actions are framed not as mere criminality but as a desperate response to systemic inequities, adding layers of empathy and nuance to their plight.

Hell or High Water excels in its portrayal of the West Texas landscape, captured through Giles Nuttgens’ evocative cinematography. The sweeping vistas and small-town decay serve as both a setting and a character, reflecting the socioeconomic struggles that underpin the story. The film’s sparse, haunting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis underscores the mood, blending melancholic tones with moments of intensity.

The performances are universally outstanding. Chris Pine delivers a career-best performance as Toby, portraying him as a man driven by quiet desperation and unwavering resolve. Ben Foster’s portrayal of Tanner is magnetic, capturing the character’s reckless charm and deep-seated pain. Jeff Bridges is equally compelling as Marcus, infusing his character with a mix of gruff humor and poignant reflection. Gil Birmingham provides a grounded and empathetic counterbalance to Bridges, offering moments of insight that deepen the film’s exploration of justice and morality.

What sets Hell or High Water apart is its ability to weave personal and societal narratives into a cohesive whole. It’s a story about family and sacrifice, but it’s also a critique of economic disenfranchisement and the predatory practices of financial insтιтutions. The brothers’ struggle against the bank is symbolic of a broader fight against systemic forces that exploit the vulnerable, resonating with contemporary audiences.

The film received widespread acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and performances, earning multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Its blend of taut storytelling, rich character development, and social relevance makes it a standout in the neo-Western genre.

At its core, Hell or High Water is a powerful meditation on the lengths people will go to protect what matters most to them. It’s a film that combines action and introspection, delivering a poignant and unforgettable cinematic experience. Its exploration of loyalty, justice, and survival in a changing world ensures its place as a modern classic.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.