David Fincher has officially announced his next film, Bitterroot, a Western crime-thriller set to be released on Netflix. The film will follow the gripping tale of an ageing rancher who, after having his life savings stolen, sets off on a quest to retrieve his money. Along the way, he resorts to robbing banks and hunting down the thieves responsible for his loss. Adding tension to the story, the rancher’s son—who happens to be the town sheriff—pursues him, creating a complex father-son dynamic that will be central to the plot.
Bitterroot is based on a screenplay by Michael Gilio, which earned praise when it appeared on the 2008 Black List. The film’s tone has been likened to Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, blending gritty Western aesthetics with a deep exploration of justice, redemption, and familial conflict.
David Fincher, known for his dark and atmospheric storytelling in films like Fight Club, Se7en, and Gone Girl, is expected to bring his signature visual style and tension-filled narrative approach to this Western setting. Fans are particularly excited to see how he will handle the Western genre, a departure from his usual modern crime-thrillers and psychological dramas.
Earlier, it was a disappointment when the project on Netflix, “Mindhunter’ which had David Fincher’s involvement, ended.
This project continues Fincher’s successful partnership with Netflix, which includes his previous critically acclaimed films Mank and The Killer. As part of his ongoing contract with the streaming platform, Fincher is also working on exciting projects like Squid Game: America and a prequel to Chinatown. His commitment to Netflix, however, has sparked some debate, with traditional cinema advocates criticizing his move toward streaming.
Despite the controversy, Fincher has expressed his confidence in Netflix as the “best place” for his creative vision. With Bitterroot, he delves into the Western genre, a departure from his usual modern crime and psychological thrillers, but with his signature dark and complex storytelling.
Fans of Fincher’s work eagerly anticipate Bitterroot’s release. It promises a fresh, thrilling take on the Western genre, driven by themes of revenge and justice.
