2024's Most Controversial Western Thriller Is Suddenly a Hit on Prime Video
A controversial Western thriller starring Alec Baldwin, delayed by a fatal on-set shooting, has unexpectedly surged on Prime Video after its theatrical release.
Alec Baldwin, known for roles in *The Departed* and *30 Rock*, stars in *Rust*, a Western thriller that has recently climbed Prime Video’s U.S. movie top 10. Directed by Joel Souza, the film follows Harland Rust as he breaks his grandson out of prison in 1880s Wyoming, sparking a deadly chase with a marshal and a bounty hunter. The movie’s renewed streaming success comes over a year after its theatrical debut in May 2025, defying its troubled production history. Critics have given the film a lukewarm reception, with Rotten Tomatoes rating it 56% from critics and 68% from audiences.
The film’s resurgence on streaming follows a prolonged legal battle stemming from a fatal incident on set in October 2021. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured when a revolver discharged during a rehearsal, with Baldwin holding the gun. Prosecutors initially charged Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was dismissed in July 2024 after a judge ruled evidence had been improperly withheld.
Production on *Rust* halted indefinitely following the shooting, leaving the film’s future uncertain. The project resumed filming only after extensive legal and safety reviews, eventually premiering in theaters in May 2025. The delay and controversy surrounding the production drew significant media attention, overshadowing early critical reactions to the film itself.
*Rust*’s unexpected streaming success contrasts with its mixed reviews, which describe it as visually impressive but otherwise unremarkable compared to other Westerns. The film’s renewed visibility on Prime Video has reintroduced it to audiences months after its theatrical run, highlighting how streaming platforms can revive content long after its initial release.