Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- somber
- reflective
- melancholic
- classic western night
- quiet weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly admired the film's authentic depiction of ranch life, performances, and occasional grandeur while faulting its slow pace, weak characterization, and anticlimactic ending.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
J.W. Ewing uses oil development and economic power to threaten Ella Connors's ranch and way of life.
The film observes postwar modernization disrupting ranch life rather than presenting the conflict as a simple adventure.
Ella finds unexpected assistance and emotional connection with Buck Athearn while defending her land.
Critics specifically noted the film's majestic moments and its careful recording of the ranching way of life.
Films like Comes a Horseman, and why
The Missouri Breaks
shared western drama, land conflict, changing-era themes, and measured pacing
The Last Picture Show
shared revisionist western atmosphere, ranching conflict, and reflective treatment of a fading way of life
McCabe & Mrs. Miller
shared western romance, rugged landscapes, and resistance to encroaching economic power
Movie Details
- Director
- Alan J. Pakula
- Release Date
- 1978-10-25
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (80)
Cast
- James Caan
- Jane Fonda
- Jason Robards
- George Grizzard
- Richard Farnsworth
- Jim Davis
- Mark Harmon
- Basil Hoffman
- James Keach
- James Kline
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Comes a Horseman about?
- A proud ranch woman battles an oil-hungry land baron as a guarded outsider becomes her ally and possible love.
- What is Comes a Horseman like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Comes a Horseman as slow, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Comes a Horseman violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Comes a Horseman as moderate.
- What did critics think of Comes a Horseman?
- Critics broadly admired the film's authentic depiction of ranch life, performances, and occasional grandeur while faulting its slow pace, weak characterization, and anticlimactic ending.
- Which films are like Comes a Horseman?
- Films with a similar feel include The Missouri Breaks, The Last Picture Show, and McCabe & Mrs. Miller.
- How long is Comes a Horseman?
- Comes a Horseman runs 118 minutes.
- Where can I watch Comes a Horseman?
- In United States, Comes a Horseman streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
