The Western genre is currently thriving in popular culture, so much so that there’s now a resurgence in horror westerns. A Town Called Purgatory already dropped in 2024, and Place of Bones is the next offering in the subgenre set for release this year.
The film stars Heather Graham and Tom Hopper, with Audrey Cummings directing. This offering is likely to appeal to Western and horror fans alike.
Western Themes are Growing in Popularity
Now is the perfect time to drop a new horror Western, as Western themes have boomed in recent years. The online bingo industry arguably played a part in this, with Wild West-themed titles among the most popular games at these sites.
When people play online bingo at Paddy Power, they are faced with various Slingo games designed to introduce them to the ball game through the well-known medium of slots. There are only a few of these games currently compared to bustling slots lists at online casinos, but it’s already clear what the most appealing themes are. One genre that was adapted to Slingo early on was the Western, with Slingo Money Train among the most popular titles.
Outside of the gaming industry, Westerns and modern adaptations of the genre have thrived in the streaming era. Yellowstone is a great example of a modern show that gained a mass audience thanks to its Western themes. Fallout was successful as well, as it combined Western tropes with its futuristic ideas.
Place of Bones Blends Two Great Genres
For horror fans in search of something new, Place of Bones could be an excellent choice. The picture uses a Western setting, but the plot is one for thrill seekers. According to a report from The Avenue Entertainment, it takes place on a remote ranch, with a mother fighting for survival against a ruthless outlaw and his gang. The movie is action-packed, with the tried and tested horror trope of a female protagonist battling seemingly insurmountable odds.
Graham is adding to her ever-growing big-screen repertoire and taking on the part of the heroine in Place of Bones. The actress who found fame in Twin Peaks has been busy in recent years, featuring in five movies in 2023 alone. She’s accompanied by Tom Hopper in the other lead role.
What Other Horror Westerns Are There?
There are various other options in the horror Western subgenre for movie fans to check out, with MovieWeb listing some of the best. Bone Tomahawk was an excellent addition to the genre in 2015, and the cannibalistic cave dwellers were enough to give people nightmares for years. Some other horror Westerns worth checking out include 1999’s Ravenous, 2008’s The Burrowers, and 2004’s Dead Birds.
