The Unholy Trinity (2025): A Gritty Western Tale of Revenge and Redemption

Introduction

Set against the rugged and lawless backdrop of 1870s Montana, The Unholy Trinity (2025) is a Western action film that promises to deliver a potent mix of revenge, dark secrets, and buried treasures. Directed by Richard Gray and written by Lee Zachariah, this film brings together an all-star cast led by Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, and Brandon Lessard, offering audiences a thrilling exploration of justice, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. With its theatrical release scheduled for June 13, 2025, in the United States, The Unholy Trinity has already garnered attention for its compelling narrative and powerhouse performances. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the film, delving into its plot, cast, production, themes, and what audiences can expect when it hits theaters.

Plot Synopsis

The Unholy Trinity opens in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway, a man wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. In his final moments, Isaac entrusts his estranged son, Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard), with an impossible task: to find and kill the man responsible for framing him. Driven by a sense of duty and a desire to honor his father’s dying wish, Henry sets out for the remote town of Trinity, Montana, a place steeped in secrets and simmering tensions.

Upon arriving in Trinity, Henry’s mission takes an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled in a dangerous feud between two powerful figures: Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), the town’s principled new sheriff determined to maintain order, and St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson), a mysterious stranger with a penchant for chaos and destruction. As buried secrets from the town’s past come to light, Henry finds himself caught in a moral quagmire, navigating a treacherous landscape of greed, vengeance, and buried treasure. The film unfolds as a tense, action-packed Western that explores the fine line between justice and lawlessness, with Henry’s journey serving as the emotional core of the story.

The narrative is described as a classic Western tale, blending themes of revenge and redemption with pulse-pounding showdowns and sweeping Montana landscapes. As Henry grapples with his father’s legacy and the moral complexities of his mission, The Unholy Trinity promises to deliver a story that is both emotionally resonant and thrillingly unpredictable.

Cast and Characters

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, headlined by two screen legends and a talented supporting roster:

Pierce Brosnan as Gabriel Dove: Known for his iconic role as James Bond, Brosnan plays the upstanding sheriff of Trinity, a man committed to bringing order to a lawless frontier. His performance is said to bring gravitas and nuance to the role, portraying a character torn between duty and the murky realities of the town he serves.
Samuel L. Jackson as St. Christopher: A veteran actor renowned for his commanding screen presence, Jackson portrays the enigmatic and menacing St. Christopher, a figure whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. Early reviews suggest Jackson steals the show, delivering a performance that is both charismatic and chilling.
Brandon Lessard as Henry Broadway: As the young protagonist, Lessard anchors the film as a man driven by a promise to his father. While less experienced than his co-stars, Lessard’s performance has been praised for holding its own, though some reviews note that his character lacks the depth of the veteran actors’ roles.
Supporting Cast: The film features a robust ensemble, including Veronica Ferres, Q’orianka Kilcher, Tim Daly, Ethan Peck, Katrina Bowden, David Arquette, Gianni Capaldi, and others. Each actor brings depth to the vibrant and turbulent world of Trinity, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.

Production and Development

The Unholy Trinity is directed by Richard Gray, whose previous works include Robert the Bruce (2019) and Murder at Yellowstone City (2022), both of which showcased his affinity for historical and Western settings. Written by Lee Zachariah, the film is produced by High Five Films in association with Amadeus Productions, with Jeanne Allgood, Kellie Brooks, Michele Gray, and Richard Gray serving as producers. The movie was filmed in Montana’s Paradise Valley, specifically at Yellowstone Ranch in Livingston, a location that provides a stunning and authentic backdrop for the story’s 1870s setting.

Filming took place in 2023, during the SAG-AFTRA strike, but the production was granted an interim agreement, allowing it to proceed with the union’s approval. The film premiered at the Zurich Film Festival on October 12, 2024, where it received mixed but generally positive feedback, particularly for the performances of Brosnan and Jackson. Saban Films and Roadside Attractions secured North American distribution rights, setting a limited theatrical release for June 13, 2025, in select U.S. theaters. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes and is rated R for violence, language, and some mature content.

Themes and Style

The Unholy Trinity is a quintessential Western that explores timeless themes of revenge, justice, and the clash between civilization and the untamed frontier. The film delves into the moral complexities of its characters, particularly Henry, who must navigate a world where right and wrong are not always clear-cut. The dynamic between Gabriel Dove’s law-abiding sheriff and St. Christopher’s chaotic outsider serves as a microcosm of the broader struggle between order and anarchy, a hallmark of the Western genre.

Stylistically, the film embraces the gritty aesthetic of classic B-Westerns while incorporating modern sensibilities. The Montana landscapes are a character in their own right, with sweeping vistas and rugged terrain enhancing the film’s atmosphere. The score and sound design have been highlighted in early reviews as effective in intensifying the film’s dramatic moments, though some critics note that the action sequences and overall narrative are fairly standard for the genre. Despite this, the chemistry between Brosnan and Jackson, combined with Gray’s bold directorial vision, elevates the film into an entertaining and memorable Western experience.

Reception and Expectations

Early reactions to The Unholy Trinity have been mixed but lean positive, with particular praise for the performances of Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan. Jackson, in particular, has been lauded for his scene-stealing presence, with reviewers noting his ability to infuse St. Christopher with both menace and charisma. Brosnan’s portrayal of Gabriel Dove has also been well-received, with critics appreciating his ability to convey a sense of authority and inner conflict. However, some reviews have pointed out that the film’s main character, Henry, feels underdeveloped compared to the two leads, and the story itself has been described as somewhat conventional.

At the Zurich Film Festival, the film was noted for its throwback style, with some critics comparing it to the B-Westerns of the genre’s golden age. While some felt the film lacked originality, others praised its ability to deliver on the promise of a gritty, action-packed Western anchored by strong performances. The film currently holds no official Rotten Tomatoes scores, as critic and audience reviews are still pending its wider release.

Release and Availability

The Unholy Trinity is set for a limited theatrical release in the United States on June 13, 2025, distributed by Saban Films and Roadside Attractions. As a limited release, it will be shown in select theaters across major markets, and audiences are encouraged to check local listings on platforms like Fandango or Atom Tickets for showtimes. At this time, no information is available regarding a UK release or streaming availability on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video. The film’s official trailer, released in May 2025, has generated buzz for its depiction of high-stakes showdowns and the dynamic interplay between Brosnan and Jackson.

Why It Matters

The Unholy Trinity arrives at a time when the Western genre is experiencing a resurgence, with films like The Power of the Dog (2021) and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) reimagining the genre for modern audiences. While The Unholy Trinity leans more heavily into traditional Western tropes, its star-studded cast and focus on moral complexity make it a notable addition to the genre. The pairing of Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson, both legends in their own right, is a major draw, offering audiences a rare opportunity to see these two actors share the screen in a Western setting.

The film also highlights the enduring appeal of Montana as a setting for Western stories, with its vast landscapes and turbulent history providing a perfect canvas for tales of revenge and redemption. For fans of the genre, The Unholy Trinity promises an entertaining ride filled with gunfights, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters.

Conclusion

The Unholy Trinity (2025) is poised to be a compelling addition to the Western genre, blending classic themes of revenge and justice with the star power of Pierce Brosnan and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Richard Gray and set in the wilds of 1870s Montana, the film tells the story of Henry Broadway’s quest to avenge his father, only to find himself caught between a principled sheriff and a mysterious stranger. With its strong ensemble cast, stunning visuals, and pulse-pounding action, The Unholy Trinity is sure to captivate audiences when it hits theaters on June 13, 2025. Whether you’re a fan of Westerns or simply drawn to the chemistry of its leading actors, this film promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.