The film “Killing Faith” (aka Devil In The Dust, 2025) is a dark, hypnotic fusion of dark western and body horror from screenwriter and director Ned Crowley, which takes place in 1849 in the dangerous badlands of the Wild West. The film creates an atmosphere that is both ruthless and philosophical, exploring the fine line between faith, illness and true evil. In its spirit, some poetry and visual uncompromising, the film stands on a par with such works as “Bone Tomahawk” by Craig Zahler, “Proposal” by John Hillcoat or “Dead Man” by Jim Jarmusch, offering the viewer not only a tragic story, but also a deep dive into the edge of the night of human essence.
In the center of the plot are two dissimilar people whose destinies collide in the God—forsaken wastelands. Sarah, a freed black slave, endowed with the will and fanatical belief that the curse of her daughter Emily can be lifted. Her companion Stillbender, or simply Bender, is a lousy doctor, a cynic suffering from addictions, haunted by memories, and driven more by money than altruism.
Acting here is a separate reason to watch the movie. Guy Pearce creates the image of a broken man who carries the horrors of the past. DeVanda Wise conveys not only the power, but also the tragic obsession of a mother who is ready to do anything to save (or destroy) a child. Who they will meet at the end of the film in the role of the charismatic preacher Ross will be a pleasant surprise for you. He expertly balances charm and obsession, creating a very memorable antagonist in this controversial neo-western.
A special place is occupied by the girl Emily, whose mystery is the engine of the narrative. Her true identity is a question for the viewer: is she a victim or a source of evil? She smiles only once in the whole movie. And this smile is not childish and harmless, but rather frightening, lifting the veil over something ancient and inhuman. It is at this moment that Pierce’s character, who had previously been on her side, suddenly feels who he is dealing with. And his hand reaches for the gun, his finger goes to the trigger — the rational worldview of the doctor collapses, giving way to the instinct of self-preservation.
“Killing Faith” is a movie that does not provide ready-made answers and does not make moral and ethical verdicts. Thanks to its strong direction, atmosphere and brilliant cast, the film claims to be a cult film in the horror-western genre. This is a journey from which no one will return the same, neither the characters nor the audience. The ending leaves us with questions, the ending is open, and that’s great.
