2024's Most Controversial Western Thriller Is Suddenly a Hit on Prime Video

Alec Baldwin, a seasoned Hollywood actor known for his diverse roles in both blockbusters and acclaimed dramas, recently found himself at the center of controversy for his involvement in a Western thriller titled Rust. The film, directed by Joel Souza and set in the 1880s Wyoming, has seen a resurgence in popularity on Amazon Prime Video, reaching the top 10 of the streaming platform's U.S. movie chart.

Baldwin portrays Harland Rust, an infamous outlaw who rescues his 13-year-old grandson, Lucas Hollister, from a death sentence. Their escape takes a dangerous turn as they evade U.S. Marshal Wood Helm and a ruthless bounty hunter, leading to a thrilling journey for survival.

Despite its recent streaming success, Rust received mixed reviews from critics, holding a 56% critics score and 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's critics consensus describes it as a middling drama with impressive visuals, but lacking any standout elements that set it apart from other Westerns. The controversy surrounding Rust stems from a tragic incident on set in October 2021, where Baldwin accidentally discharged a revolver during a rehearsal, fatally shooting cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was dismissed with prejudice in July 2024 due to prosecutors improperly withholding evidence. The film eventually resumed production and was released in theaters in May 2025.