The 2021 Western film "Old Henry," starring Tim Blake Nelson, has gained significant traction on Netflix, reaching the number one spot on the U.S. streaming charts. Directed and written by Potsy Ponciroli, the movie is a gritty tale set in 1906 Oklahoma.
"Old Henry" initially had a limited theatrical release in October 2021, earning less than $50,000. However, it found a wider audience through video-on-demand, subsequently entering Netflix's catalog on July 4th. The film's narrative centers on Henry McCarty (Nelson), a seemingly ordinary farmer living with his son, Wyatt (Gavin Lewis). Their isolated life is disrupted when an injured man, Curry (Scott Haze), seeks refuge at their farm.
Plot Developments
Wyatt becomes suspicious of his father after discovering a satchel of cash and a pistol belonging to the injured stranger. The man, who identifies himself as Curry, warns Henry that three men are pursuing him, claiming to be lawmen but actually seeking the stolen money. Henry's unease grows when the men show particular interest in his family background.
Curry recounts a childhood memory of witnessing the supposed death of the outlaw Billy the Kid at the hands of Sheriff Pat Garrett. He claims to have been working at Peter Maxwell's property, where Billy the Kid was hiding, and saw Garrett shoot the Kid. This story leads Henry to release Curry, but not before a violent confrontation ensues with one of the pursuers, whom Henry kills.
The True Identity Revealed
The plot escalates when the leader of the men, Ketchum (Stephen Dorff), kidnaps Henry's brother-in-law, Al (Trace Adkins), and demands Curry's surrender. Al is killed in the ensuing attack, and Wyatt, enraged, attempts to shoot Ketchum. During the shootout, Curry recognizes Henry's words to his son, "keep his head down, you’ll be alright"—a phrase he remembers Billy the Kid saying—and realizes Henry is, in fact, Billy the Kid. The film suggests that the Billy the Kid supposedly killed by Garrett actually survived, with Garrett's help.
The Ending of 'Old Henry'
In the film's climax, Henry confronts Ketchum's men alone and ultimately kills Ketchum. He then attends to the wounded Curry, discovering a brand on his skin. Curry reveals he was a former sheriff forced into outlaw work by Ketchum and fled after intending to kill Ketchum first. Before Curry can harm Henry further, Wyatt intervenes and shoots Curry.
Henry succumbs to his injuries, urging Wyatt to explore the world. Wyatt buries his father and departs with the cash and a pistol, mirroring his father's advice.
Historical Inspiration
While Billy the Kid was a real historical figure, "Old Henry" is a work of speculative fiction. It builds upon persistent, though unsubstantiated, rumors that Billy the Kid did not die in 1881 as officially recorded. Historical accounts, including Robert Utley's biography "Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life," state that the outlaw, whose real name was Henry McCarty, was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, on July 14, 1881, following his escape from jail after being imprisoned for murder during the Lincoln County War. The film explores the "what if" scenario of Billy the Kid having survived.
"Old Henry" is currently available for streaming on Netflix.