Skinwalker brings horror out to the West. There are bandits, homesteaders, and outlaws, with the law hot on their tail. Lurking deep in the mountains, is an ancient evil, waiting to put the wild in Wild West. Though there is plenty to celebrate in the film, Skinwalker suffers from some substantial drawbacks. 

Two cowboys happen across a Native American burial site. Greed takes over and sticky fingers ensue as one of them removes a death totem from the body of a high-ranking elder. But there’s no rest for the wicked since their grave disturbance has now disturbed their lives (and everyone around them) in a very major way. Evil is unleashed and there is nowhere to hide. 

The backdrop is gorgeous, but it does not appear to be utilized enough. There are several close-up shots that take place in the forest and feel out of place compared to the rest of the terrain. It is supposed to take place on a mountain in the Arizona territory, but the landscapes do not make that abundantly clear. 

The acting abilities in Skinwalker vary from pleasant to unsatisfactory. Thankfully, several of the central cast members deliver strong performances. Marshal Bascom (Dan Higgins), deputy Riggs (Cameron Kotecki), Benny (Nathaniel Burns), Hugo (Robert Conway), and Vern (Charlie E Motley) all gave charming and delightful performances. A sequence involving the marshal and deputy was particularly gripping. The tender exchange was intense, emotional, and it is clear there was chemistry between the two. 

The cinematography is enjoyable. Several dynamic medium shots and nice cuts help keep the audiences engaged and prevent the scenes from becoming too stale. That being said, there are some pacing issues within the storyline. Some sequences drag out much too long, while others appear to be cut short or are missing elements that would help the story along. 

Skinwalker story pays homage to its historical roots on its own and adds in a little spice that paves the way for a sequel (if decided). Even without the promise of a sequel the film is fun and sad, oppressive and vindictive, all at once. 

I was not particularly fond of the special effects in the film. However, I was quite fond of the presentation of the Skinwalker. For most of the film, we are not exposed to the Skinwalker itself, only in the form of violent possession. When we finally see this entity, it is menacing and misshapen. The soft blurred edges bring the spirit to life, preventing it from looking like a cheap computer generated image. The sequence is set to blue and gray cool tones, which prove to be very effective at giving the impression that the spirit is an all-powerful being. 

Overall I wanted to like Skinwalker, I really did. I love westerns and horror (obviously) so marrying the two together was an incredible idea. The story itself is imaginative and original and has massive potential. The choppy pacing, awkward dialogue, and varied acting abilities prevent the film from realizing its true cinematic promise. If you are a fan of westerns, the undead, and are looking to kill some time, give Skinwalker a watch. But unless you are a real fan of the western genre and are willing to overlook some flaws, keep walking. 

5 out of 10