The tropes and character types associated with Western films work well within the framework of a thriller , resulting in some truly captivating movies. The actions of an outlaw or bounty hunter in several Westerns make for a thrilling chase that keeps audiences on their toes. In many of these films, the protagonist is neither good nor bad, blurring the lines for audiences and creating a more suspenseful viewing experience, as seen in Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood's William Munny.
Films like No Country for Old Men or The Proposition tell gritty, somewhat realistic stories, subverting the expectations of audiences greatly familiar with the genre's formula and tropes.
These films typically incorporate aspects of other genres like horror and action to create a well-rounded and increasingly effective thrill for audiences. Though Westerns have always been associated with gunfights and rough protagonists, as the years have passed, more modern Westerns have told darker stories, included more ruthless acts of violence, and featured heightened thrills.
Their journey becomes perilous when an Indian named Salvaje, who once held Sarah captive, relentlessly pursues them across the harsh landscape. Some of Gregory Peck's best movies are the Westerns he starred in, and though The Stalking Moon may not rank high among his more notable work, it is still a compelling film.
Peck plays Sam Varner, a scout from the Army. Based on T. Olsen's novel of the same name, the film sees Sam come across an Apache reservation where he finds a woman and her son and chooses to rescue them after learning she was taken captive years ago. Unlike a few other thrillers that incorporate action sequences in their suspense-filled narratives, The Stalking Moon opts to build an eerie atmosphere instead.
