‘Godless’ – the Netflix Original That Almost Saved the Western Genre

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The Western used to be Hollywood’s biggest money-maker, but it’s now mostly seen in serious, award-seeking films or as a backdrop for cheap action movies. The days of iconic cowboys like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood riding across the plains are over. Occasionally, a new Western appears with the potential to bring the genre back to life and remind audiences of the excitement of the Wild West – at least, as depicted in films. In 2017, a Netflix series seemed poised to do just that. Sadly, despite positive reviews, it didn’t reach a wide audience.

Netflix’s Godless, released in 2017, feels like a modern take on the classic Western. Created by Scott Frank – known for his work on the film Logan and the Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit and Dept. Q – the show boasts a fantastic cast including Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, Michelle Dockery, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Jeff Daniels, and Jack O’Connell. It’s a truly great series that deserves more attention.

‘Godless’ Is the Best Western Series in Years


Netflix

Netflix’s new western, American Primeval, has gained attention for its intense violence and realistic portrayal of the Old West. However, Godless, released eight years ago, really started this trend on the platform. Godless offers a harsh and violent depiction of 19th-century life, but it also breathes new life into classic Western themes and tropes.

The series Godless takes place in the isolated mining town of La Belle. After a devastating mine collapse killed most of the town’s men, the remaining women have come together to rebuild their lives. Their fragile peace is shattered when fugitive Roy Goode arrives, pursued by the ruthless Griffin gang. Frank Griffin and his men descend upon La Belle, determined to capture Roy, regardless of the consequences for the town and its inhabitants. Here’s the official description of the show:

Frank Griffin, a dangerous criminal, and his gang are hunting down Roy Goode, a former member who turned against them. Roy is hiding in the remote mining town of La Belle, New Mexico, living with Alice Fletcher, a strong and independent widow who’s also an outsider. When La Belle, a town largely run by women, learns Griffin is coming, the townspeople unite to protect themselves from his violent gang.

Critics and Emmy voters widely agree that Godless is an exceptional series. In 2018, it received three Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for several more, including Outstanding Limited Series (though American Crime Story ultimately won that award). The show also earned high scores on Rotten Tomatoes, with an 83% rating from critics and an even better 85% audience score. One Rotten Tomatoes user praised it as “simply wonderful,” comparing it to classic Westerns like Dances with Wolves, Shane, The Good, the Bad & the Ugly, and Unforgiven.

‘Godless’ Pays Homage to Western Classics


Netflix

Beyond simply offering a fresh take on Western stories, the series Godless also lovingly references classic Western films. It incorporates familiar themes, imagery, and even specific camera angles from the genre’s history, while also updating the visual style. For example, in the opening episode, when Roy Goode is startled, the camera initially uses a classic shot focusing on his hand reaching for his gun. However, the camera then subtly moves to shield a nearby child from the line of sight, creating distance between the child and the weapon. This small detail demonstrates the thoughtfulness Scott Frank and cinematographer Steven Meizler (The OA) brought to Godless, carefully paying tribute to the Westerns that inspired it.

All seven episodes of Godless are streaming on Netflix.

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2025-11-16 19:19