Two major problems. First, the writing attempts to be profound but the dialogue leaves the impression that the characters are talking nonsense in their sleep. It's left to the audience to try to assemble some sort of message or moral from the random strings of phrases. Second, the characters seem based in inscrutability and fail to make contact with one another or with the audience. Weston's character arc is abrupt and unmotivated. Hildegard is so inconsistent that her character looses traction. The reveal of the McGuffin -- the monstrance -- falls flat. This is another "modern" western seeking meaning in the bleak. While the mileau may have been rooted in realism, the characters were not. Good scenics of North Dakota, though.

Not a bad movie, overall: the scenery is nice, the costumes look authentic and western, the acting and dialogue are done well, and the protagonists are likable, particularly the nun. The movie also has some intense scenes without getting gory. For those reasons alone, this movie can be worth it, especially if you're a big fan of Western movies.

The plot keeps this movie from reaching the next level from decent to excellent though. The movie is predictable, with a basic underlying premise of a hardened cowboy who expectedly softens up because of a kind-hearted nun. Some scenes feel so awkward and random, such as this one instance where a Native American guy interrupts their bonfire. And I don't quite grasp the relationship between the main protagonist Westin and the villain. Infact, about 75% through the film, we see a female villain all of a sudden

Decent movie. But not great.

I loved the acting. There were times that I felt emotion and tears due to the way some of the ones portrayed in the movie showed no mercy. I do wish someone at the end didn't wind up dying. I won't spoil that part of who it was. The main characters acting was excellent. The nun was also great. I was touched by the ending. Watch it and decide for yourself whether you like it or not. I for one was really engrossed in the movie from the beginning to the ending. I'd loved to see the main character in more western movies. Not sure how this wound up only having a 3 and a half star on here. But critiques will be critiques. :)