The prestigious Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) wrapped up its 20th edition with an unforgettable sold-out screening of The Unholy Trinity, cementing the film’s status as one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Directed by Richard Gray, this modern Western thriller captivated both audiences and critics at the historic Kongresshaus Theater, ending the festival in spectacular fashion.
Starring an ensemble cast led by Brandon Lessard, Pierce Brosnan, and Samuel L. Jackson, the film delivered an emotional punch with its blend of intense action and complex moral dilemmas. Lessard’s portrayal of Henry Broadway, a man caught in a deadly web of revenge and redemption, was lauded for its raw emotional depth and intensity. Brosnan’s righteous sheriff, Gabriel Dove, and Jackson’s enigmatic St. Christopher added further gravitas to the tale of frontier justice in 1870s Montana.
The closing night of the festival was a star-studded affair, with German actress Veronica Ferres, who plays a pivotal role in the film, joining Lessard and Gray on stage to introduce the screening. The trio’s excitement was palpable, and their brief remarks set the tone for the evening, expressing their gratitude for the warm reception from the Zurich audience. As the film unfolded, its gripping narrative held the crowd in suspense, with each twist and turn adding to the mounting tension.
Following the screening, the cast and director returned for an intimate Q&A session, where Ferres candidly shared her experience working on the film and the emotional depth of her character. Lessard, reflecting on the sold-out Zurich screening, said, “To see such a positive response at Zurich is something I’ll never forget. It’s been an honor to bring this story to life and share it with such a passionate crowd.” His words echoed the sentiment of the night—a collective admiration for the film’s storytelling and standout performances.
For Richard Gray, the film’s premiere at Zurich marked a significant milestone. “Screening The Unholy Trinity to a sold-out audience at Zurich was surreal. The energy in the room was incredible, and I couldn’t be more grateful to the festival for this moment,” he remarked. The film’s striking cinematography, courtesy of Thomas Scott Stanton, paired with Gray’s expert direction, created a visually stunning backdrop for the story’s moral complexities and emotional battles.
Brandon Lessard, already a rising star, delivers a career-defining performance in The Unholy Trinity. Taking on the role of Henry Broadway, Lessard portrays a man seeking justice for his father’s wrongful execution, navigating the gray areas between right and wrong in a brutal frontier world. Lessard’s portrayal highlights Henry’s internal struggles—his desire to avenge his father, and the growing realization that vengeance may not be enough to heal his pain.
One of the film’s most intense sequences involved Lessard’s character being suspended upside down during a brutal beating—a scene the actor described as both physically and emotionally challenging. “That was rough,” Lessard admitted, “but it was important to bring a visceral realism to the film.” His dedication to the role paid off, with critics praising his nuanced performance and emotional depth.
Lessard’s journey in the film is mirrored by the broader themes of The Unholy Trinity, where questions of morality and personal redemption play out against the unforgiving backdrop of 19th-century Montana. The town of Trinity, where much of the story unfolds, becomes a character in itself, with its lawlessness reflecting the inner turmoil of the protagonists. Lessard’s character must choose between following his father’s dying wish or forging his own path, a decision that leads to powerful character development.
Beyond Lessard’s performance, The Unholy Trinity is buoyed by an all-star cast. Pierce Brosnan brings gravitas as Gabriel Dove, the sheriff caught between maintaining order and confronting the moral ambiguities of frontier justice. Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of St. Christopher, a mysterious figure with unclear motives, adds further layers of tension to the film. St. Christopher acts as both a mentor and a manipulator to Henry, pushing him to make darker choices.
Other notable cast members include Tim Daly as Henry’s father, Isaac Broadway, whose execution sets the story in motion, and Q’orianka Kilcher as Running Cub, who is tied to Henry’s journey for justice. Veronica Ferres’ powerful performance adds emotional depth to the story, further rounding out a cast filled with dynamic performances.
The Unholy Trinity offers a fresh take on the Western genre, blending high-octane action with the introspective themes of personal identity, revenge, and redemption. Gray’s direction, combined with Stanton’s stunning cinematography, highlights the stark beauty of the American West, creating a visually arresting film that explores both the external and internal battles of its characters.
At its core, The Unholy Trinity delves into the consequences of vengeance and the choices that shape us. The title itself, referring to the triad of Henry, Gabriel Dove, and St. Christopher, underscores the tension between justice, chaos, and redemption—leaving the audience questioning what is right or wrong in such a harsh world.
As The Unholy Trinity prepares for its wide release at a future date as yet unknown, the buzz surrounding the film continues to build. With its sold-out screening at the Zurich Film Festival, a powerhouse cast, and deep philosophical undertones, the film is set to become one of the year’s most talked-about releases, and a landmark in modern Western cinema. For Brandon Lessard, this transformative role marks a new chapter in his career, one that is sure to solidify his place as one of Hollywood’s most compelling young actors.
The successful screening of The Unholy Trinity was a fitting conclusion to the 2024 Zurich Film Festival, leaving audiences with a film that will undoubtedly continue to resonate long after the festival’s final curtain fell.
