Buckskin (2021): A Gritty Western Quest Through Haunted Woods
Buckskin (2021) is an independently produced action–Western film directed and written by Brett Bentman, featuring performances by Tom Zembrod, Robert Keith, Blaze Freeman, Corey Cannon, and Tiffany McDonald. Set in 1820s Texas, the film combines frontier survivalism with psychological tension, telling a tale of rugged perseverance in the harsh wilderness.
The story follows Wesley Porter (Tom Zembrod), a seasoned fur trapper burdened by a traumatic past. When Captain Coleman’s grandson goes missing in the dangerous and mysterious Buckskin Woods, Porter is offered a bounty to track him down. Though reluctant, he accepts the task — driven not only by the reward, but by a sense of guilt and duty. The boy, Levi Coleman (played by Blaze Freeman), is believed to be somewhere deep within the forest, a region known for strange happenings and Native resistance.
Porter assembles a small team and ventures into the woods, where the threats they face become increasingly unpredictable. Traps set by Native hunters, wild terrain, and the psychological effects of isolation weigh heavily on the group. Porter’s internal demons surface as the search drags on, turning the mission into not just a rescue, but a test of his own endurance and resolve.
Despite its low budget, Buckskin makes strong use of its natural locations, capturing the dense forest and desolate plains with gritty realism. The cinematography leans into long, still shots and earthy tones, immersing viewers in the unforgiving wilderness. The minimalistic use of dialogue — relying more on silence and visual storytelling — enhances the sense of isolation and emotional distance among the characters.
Critically, the film received mixed to poor reception. While some viewers appreciated the film’s slow-burn approach and rugged aesthetic, others criticized it for uneven pacing and lack of narrative cohesion. The plot is thinly stretched over its 80-minute runtime, and many secondary characters appear without sufficient backstory or development. At times, the dialogue feels sparse to a fault, leaving moments that should be emotionally impactful feeling flat.
Tom Zembrod, as the hardened but haunted Porter, delivers a grounded performance that gives the film its emotional anchor. His portrayal captures the weariness of a man grappling with the weight of past regrets and present danger. Robert Keith, as Captain Coleman, and Blaze Freeman, as the lost child, provide additional emotional stakes, though their screen time is limited.
Buckskin doesn’t try to dazzle with spectacle or elaborate storytelling. Instead, it focuses on a stripped-down survival narrative, framed through the lens of frontier justice and personal redemption. While the film’s ambitions may exceed its technical polish, it may still appeal to fans of gritty, independent Westerns that emphasize mood and realism over action or complexity.
In conclusion, Buckskin is a modest but earnest effort in the Western genre. It won’t satisfy all audiences, particularly those looking for fast-paced action or strong character arcs. However, for those who appreciate slow-burning, atmospheric tales of man versus nature, it offers a
