The Last Manhunt (2022)

The Last Manhunt (2022), directed by Christian Camargo and executive produced by Jason Momoa, is a Western drama that revisits a largely untold true story from the early 20th century — one rooted in Native American history and cultural conflict. Unlike typical Westerns, this film reframes the narrative through Indigenous eyes, offering a more nuanced, respectful portrayal of Native identity, tradition, and resistance.

Set in 1909 in the harsh desert lands near Joshua Tree, the film is based on the oral history of the Chemehuevi people. It follows Willie Boy (played by Martin Sensmeier), a young Chemehuevi man who becomes a fugitive after killing his girlfriend Carlota’s father in what he claims was self-defense. The killing sets off a manhunt, led by a local sheriff and fueled by racial tensions and newspaper sensationalism.

As Willie and Carlota flee into the unforgiving Mojave Desert, the film unfolds as a character-driven story of love, survival, and cultural injustice. Rather than glorifying frontier justice, The Last Manhunt questions the myth of the “outlaw Indian” and focuses instead on how misunderstanding and prejudice shaped the legacy of Native resistance.

Visually, the film is striking. Cinematographer Tom Banks captures the haunting beauty of the desert landscape — not just as a backdrop, but as an active force in the story. The setting becomes a character in itself, representing both danger and ancestral strength.

Martin Sensmeier delivers a restrained and empathetic performance as Willie Boy, portraying him not as a violent renegade but as a young man burdened by history and circumstance. Mainei Kinimaka, as Carlota, brings quiet resilience and emotional depth to her role, grounding the film’s emotional center.

Where the film falters slightly is in pacing. Some stretches of the story move slowly, emphasizing mood and silence over plot momentum. Still, for those willing to engage with the film on its own terms, the payoff is in its emotional honesty and historical recontextualization.

Conclusion:
The Last Manhunt is a thoughtful, atmospheric Western that flips the script on traditional frontier narratives. With respect for Native voices and a focus on truth over legend, it offers a powerful reflection on injustice, legacy, and love. It may not be a typical shoot-'em-up Western, but it stands out for its authenticity and heart.