Quentin Tarantino is back, with another exquisitely shot film combining western and mystery genres, confined to a single building and 8 characters. The Hateful Eight takes place in Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stop off point in the middle of nowhere for people on their way to Red Rock.John ‘The Hangman’ Ruth, played by Kurt Russell, is on his way to Red Rock to hang Daisy Domergue for

John ‘The Hangman’ Ruth, played by Kurt Russell, is on his way to Red Rock to hang Daisy Domergue for murder, when Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L Jackson) stops his carriage for a lift. After a small exchange of dialogue, and some issues of trust, John agrees to take him along, but not soon after they are stopped again by Chris Mannix, who also would like to come along. Mannix explains he is to be sworn in as the new sheriff of Red Rock, and they should trust him.

Unfortunately the blizzard they are in forces them to stop in Mannie’s Haberdashery, where they are joined by confederate General Sandy Smithers, cowboy Joe Gage, Mexican Bob, and the new town hangman Oswaldo Mobray. Unfortunately, all is not it seems, as one of the guests is there to help Daisy escape, and soon people start dropping dead.

Tarantino’s signature styles are all around the film, from the long dialogue scenes, to the film style, hell even the characters have history with Tarantino. Then there’s the violence, which is over the top as usual. The use of the 70mm helps the viewer keep an eye on every character in the scenes which makes it an interesting choice. The Hateful Eight is essentially Identity from 2003, set in a western. It has some witty dialogue with some signature Tarantino fun, but at over 2 hours long, it seems to just drag out. If you can stick it out for the funny finale though, it’s worth it.