Netflix hidden gem leaves viewers in tears as it's dubbed 'one of the best films'

Daily Record

22-04-2025

The Mustang was released in 2019 and tells the story of a violent criminal who finds new meaning to his life through training a wild horse
Netflix viewers have been left emotionally overwhelmed after discovering a hidden treasure on the platform - a film about a convict who finds purpose in training horses.
The Mustang, released in 2019, garnered critical acclaim. It narrates the tale of Roman Coleman, a violent offender portrayed by Matthias Schoenaerts, who is serving time in a Nevada prison.
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The movie opens with a helicopter herding hundreds of wild mustangs that are to be 'broken' and sold.
Roman has difficulty interacting with people. To keep him occupied before his eventual reintegration into society - after serving a 12-year sentence for an assault on his partner that resulted in brain damage - the prison assigns him the task of training horses.
Each prisoner is allocated a specific horse to prepare for auction within 12 weeks. As he forms a close bond with his horse, Marquis, Roman starts to build friendships through his work with the animal, reports the Irish Star.
The film culminates in a heart-wrenching finale about one man's desperate quest for redemption following a horrific act of violence.
Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre in their debut feature, who spent five years meticulously researching real-life training programmes involving prisoners and horses, The Mustang received high praise upon its release.
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The Guardian said: "Brilliantly, Schoenaerts almost underplays Roman's anger, lumbering slowly like a wounded animal, the downward slope of his eyes conveying a howl of rage. It's an electrifying performance."
With an impressive 95 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, responses from both film enthusiasts and critics have been overwhelmingly positive towards the movie and its cast.
One said: "The Mustang is a unique character-driven film that is headlined by a jaw-dropping performance by Matthias Schoenaerts."
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Another added: "It's an extraordinarily gripping film as it delves into social issues and humanity, cutting into your emotional foundation to see the world in a different light."
Additionally, one observer said: "French filmmaker Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, who also co-wrote, impresses with a feature directorial debut that displays an understanding of film as both craft and poetry. She also displays a reverence and hope for flawed humanity.."
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Emotionally charged fans were left in awe by the compelling performances. A fan said: "One of the best films I've ever watched. Matthias Schoenaerts and Bruce Durn are spectacularly authentic. The viewer is sucked into both the situation and the predicaments of the players. Just wonderful."
And yet another added: "This film is a visually beautiful and riveting story pivoting around the cathartic connection between troubled man and wild horse, and the ripple effect from that. I was completely emotionally invested."
One commentator wrote: "Incredibly powerful story of forgiveness, growth, redemption, and finding joy and purpose after tragedy. Amazing performances by all!".
You can currently watch The Mustang on Netflix.