'Underrated' dark comedy with perfect score compared to early Coen brothers and Yellowstone

An 'underrated' dark comedy film which boasts a perfect score is being compared to early Coen brothers and the popular television series Yellowstone.

LaRoy, Texas received its general release in the US and UK early in 2024 but to very little fanfare. However, it would nevertheless became one of the highest scoring movies of the year on Rotten Tomatoes, achieving 100%. The title is currently available to stream at home, meaning film fans can catch up on one of the best reviewed films of the past year. It is streaming on Now and Sky Cinema.

The film stars John Magaro who has previously appeared in Past Lives and The Many Saints of Newark. It also features Steve Zahn, known for roles in The White Lotus and War for the Planet of the Apes. In the film, Ray (Magaro) needs money to help his wife start a business although he is told by his Private Investigator friend Skip (Zahn), she is probably having an affair. When he is then handed an envelope of cash after being mistaken for a hitman, Ray finds himself chased by the real killer in an effort to get out of town with the money and his life.

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Critics were quick to compare the film to the early work of director siblings the Coen brothers, famed for titles such as Fargo and No Country For Old Men. One reviewer said: "LaRoy, Texas is full of Coen brothers-style charm, with its dark humour, absurd interludes, and existential middle-of-nowhere location combined with a solid level of bloody violence and characters you can't help but root for."

Another simply wrote: "Zany Coen brothers-like comedy thriller" while a third added: "LaRoy, Texas channels the Coen brothers in a hilarious black comedy with tragic twists. John Magaro, Steve Zahn, and a terrifying Dylan Baker are superb in a film that continually surprises. LaRoy, Texas is a must-see."

Several film fans also picked on the stylistic similarities between LaRoy, Texas and the Coen brothers. One posted online saying: "A modern western, with grit and a dash of dark comedy. Think southern Fargo without the Minnesota dialect. The actors are spot on for their respective parts. I enjoyed the ending, but could be easily convinced it should have been better."

Another claimed: "Loved this movie! Totally unexpected. A great dark comedy. One of my favorites I’ve seen this year." One viewer said: "Genuinely excellent. Surprisingly good and very Cohen brother like. This odd buddy crime dark comedy really ticks all the boxes and ends as strong as it starts. Yes is absurdly implausible but it's so much fun you quickly forget about the destination and just enjoy the ride. All the cast are excellent and the direction and writing truly shine. This film is violent at times but never gratuitously and though there is nothing new or unique here what there is is expertly crafted and delivered."

Also comparisons were also made to a popular television series, largely due to the outlandish cowboy like costume worn by Zahn's character. One viewer observed: "Fabulous directing. Perfect casting. Outrageous cinematography. Not quite as gruesome as Yellowstone."

Those looking to stream the film can add Sky Cinema to their Sky TV package for £10 a month or sign up to NOW's Cinema Membership for £6.99 a month, for six months or an Entertainment and Cinema bundle for £13.99 a month, for six months.

LaRoy, Texas is streaming on NOW and Sky Cinema.