Directed by Mauro Borrelli (The Shadow Diaries) and starring Tony Todd (Candyman), West of Hell (2018) is a bizarre, ambitious mashup of horror, Western, and supernatural thriller. Set in the late 1800s, the film follows a group of prisoners and lawmen aboard a cursed train bound for a demonic reckoning. While it boasts striking visuals and a game cast, West of Hell struggles to balance its wild ideas with cohesive storytelling, resulting in a film that’s more fascinating than fully satisfying.

Plot & Structure: A Supernatural Prison Break on Rails

The story kicks off when U.S. Marshal John Decker (Jake McLaughlin) boards a prison train transporting the notorious outlaw Brannick (Tony Todd). But when the train derails near a ghost town, the survivors—including a mysterious preacher (William Forsythe), a vengeful widow (Marsha Thomason), and a psychic medium (Danny Trejo in a glorified cameo)—realize they’re trapped in a nightmarish battleground between heaven and hell.

As demonic forces close in, Decker must uncover Brannick’s dark secret while fighting off possessed convicts, undead outlaws, and a sinister entity known as “The Shepherd.”

Strengths:

✔ Atmospheric Setting – The train and ghost town are dripping with eerie, gothic Western vibes.
✔ Strong Visual Style – Borrelli (a veteran production designer) crafts a striking, shadow-drenched world.
✔ Tony Todd’s Presence – Even with limited screen time, Todd brings gravitas and menace to Brannick.

Weaknesses:

✖ Overstuffed Mythology – The film crams in demons, biblical references, psychic powers, and undead cowboys without enough development.
✖ Uneven Pacing – The first act drags, while the climax feels rushed.
✖ Underused Cast – Danny Trejo and William Forsythe are wasted in minor roles.

Performances: A Mixed Bag of Charisma and Camp

• Tony Todd steals every scene as the enigmatic Brannick, though his role is frustratingly sparse.

• Jake McLaughlin (Savages) makes for a serviceable but forgettable lead.

• Marsha Thomason (Lost) brings emotional weight as a grieving mother seeking justice.

• William Forsythe (The Devil’s Rejects) chews scenery as a fire-and-brimstone preacher, but his character feels underdeveloped.

• Danny Trejo is barely in the movie, which is a crime.

Direction & Cinematography: Style Over Substance 

Borrelli’s background in visual design (Sleepy Hollow, The Call) shines in West of Hell’s moody, high-contrast aesthetic. The film looks like a Sergio Leone nightmare, with fog-drenched landscapes, flickering lanterns, and grotesque creature designs. However, the storytelling lacks the same precision—some scenes feel more like concept art than a cohesive narrative.

The action is competently staged but suffers from choppy editing, making some fights hard to follow. The demonic effects are a mix of practical and CGI, with mixed results (some creatures look great, others distractingly rubbery).

Themes: Sin, Redemption, and Biblical Horror

West of Hell tries to be a morality play, exploring:

• The nature of evil (Is Brannick a man or a demon?)

• Divine vs. human justice (Does Decker serve the law or a higher power?)

• The cost of vengeance (Thomason’s arc is the most compelling).

Unfortunately, these ideas are often drowned out by the film’s chaotic supernatural elements.

Final Verdict: A Flawed But Intriguing Genre Mashup

West of Hell isn’t a great movie, but it’s an interesting one. Fans of weird Westerns (Bone Tomahawk, The Wind) or supernatural horror (The Prophecy, Demon Knight) might appreciate its ambition, even if the execution falters.

Rating: 5.5/10

✔ For: Tony Todd fans, Gothic Western lovers, those who enjoy “haunted train” tropes.
✖ Against: Viewers who prefer tight storytelling over atmosphere.

Worth a watch? If you’re in the mood for a visually striking, messy B-movie, yes. But don’t expect a classic.

Where to Watch: Available on VOD platforms like Amazon Prime & Tubi.
Similar Films: The Pale Door (2020), The Burrowers (2008), Priest (2011).