Whenever a film blends genres, especially those that are less commonly paired, the chief question is always how effective the blend is. Both facets must be significant on their own power, but also combine into a form that's meaningful. As 'El extraño hijo del sheriff' begins the period western setting is very firmly established, not to mention the obdurate disposition of the principal character of the sheriff. The horror aspect doesn't begin to come into play until we're set to enter the second act, yet for as unexpectedly swift as the pacing is, and smooth, it feels like the picture has scarcely begun as the story picks up more. As the length advances I don't think there's any disputing the title's success as a horror-western, and in fact I think this Mexican flick is surely stronger overall than no few kindred works from more renowned film industries. To my delight, this readily proves to be an enjoyable, absorbing, satisfying piece that holds up marvelously well, and even better than I could have hoped!
The feature falls on the "fun-scary" side of the spectrum in terms of its horror a little more than that which evokes earnest feelings and visceral reactions. Even so there are some wonderfully creepy moments and notions of supernatural occurrences in this ghost story, deftly woven among threads of a more plainly dramatic western saga. To that point, I have to hand it to screenwriters Bárbara Gil and Eric del Castillo, because the plot here very much feels like something that may have been borne from a real-life folk legend passed down through oral tradition. For as cohesive as the writing is, bolstering the latter sense, it feels hard to even break down the screenplay into its component parts; all I can say is that the narrative is terrifically smart and compelling, twisting notes of tragedy and misfortune together with the sinister vibes of a malevolent, vengeful spirit. Through to the very end this is splendidly well-written, keeping us locked in to see the saga unfold - and I'm very happy to say that the ending is a total blast, bringing the movie to a deliciously dark closing that somewhat reminds me of some of my favorite horror endings.
I don't know whether it was a happenstance manifestation of the equipment available to the production, or a conscious choice on the part of cinematographer Agustín Lara Alvarado, producer Armando Duarte, director Fernando Durán Rojas, or someone else. One way or another, it's noteworthy that 'El extraño hijo del sheriff' bears the visual aesthetics of not just a western (replete with fine filming locations, sets, and costume design), but a western hearkening from the 60s, rather than the 80s. I dare say that appearance only helps to further cement the western ambience as the tale shifts from one flavor to the next, and increasingly toward horror as the minutes quickly tick by. While instances of post-production additions are notably outdated, otherwise effects and stunts here look swell; Rafael Carrión's original music isn't a major linchpin of the proceedings, but it's superb and tasteful nevertheless as it adds to the building atmosphere. The entire cast is fantastic, demonstrating admirable and wholehearted acting skills to bring the story to life, and beyond Gil and del Castillo's screenplay I must commend director Rojas for so shrewdly bringing the material to bear. Through his vision, and with the aid of all others contributing, the feature capably navigates complementary swirls of western desolation and hardship, the suggested dramatic notes of trial and tribulation, and the harsh gravity of the more ominous genre airs.
The end result of all this excellence, all the skill and intelligence, is a horror-western that grabs us nearly from the start and whips us along for the ride. It bears repeating that these ninety-odd minutes rather gallop, not in a fashion that's overbearing but just so effortlessly that in our enchantment as viewers it's all over before we know it. Even at that the plot develops at its own pace, adding in dollops of the two primary facets bit by bit until we arrive at the perfect mixture of both. As a matter of personal preference this won't appeal to all comers, yet for anyone who is receptive to the style, this small slice of Mexican cinema is so outstanding and rewarding as a viewing experience that I'd have no qualms whatsoever in recommending it to just about anyone. I'd stop just shy of saying it's an absolute must-see, but 'El extraño hijo del sheriff' is a tremendously smart, well made flick that's sorely underappreciated, and as far as I'm concerned it deserves much more recognition. If you have the chance to watch, this is not to be missed!
