The Unholy Trinity, which screens closing night at this year’s Zurich Film Festival is a classic in the making. Artfully directed by Richard Gray, the film stands out as a modern take on the Western genre. Set in 1870s Montana, it intertwines themes of revenge, dark secrets, and redemption against a rugged, lawless backdrop. The story centers around Henry Broadway, played by talented young actor Brandon Lessard, whose character arc from a vengeful son to a man who forges his own path is one of the film’s most captivating elements.
The film begins with Isaac Broadway, Henry’s estranged father, sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit. In his final moments, Isaac demands that Henry avenge him by killing the man responsible for framing him. This sets Henry on a journey to the remote town of Trinity, where he becomes entangled in a web of power, deceit, and violence. As Henry’s plans for revenge evolve, he finds himself caught between two powerful forces: the enigmatic St. Christopher, portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, and the town’s new sheriff, Gabriel Dove, played by Pierce Brosnan.
Lessard’s portrayal of Henry is deeply rooted in the character’s internal battle. At the start of the film, Henry is lost, burdened by his father’s dying wish. This mission consumes him, making him a passive figure at the mercy of others’ desires. “Henry begins as someone who is utterly controlled by the need for revenge, with no identity of his own,” Lessard explains. “But as the story unfolds, he starts making decisions that lead him away from revenge and toward a sense of personal power”
The complexities of Henry’s relationships, particularly with Jackson’s character St. Christopher, add another layer to his development. St. Christopher is a mysterious figure who saves Henry’s life early in the film, but his true motivations remain unclear. Henry’s loyalty to this figure contrasts with his growing independence. “That tension, resisting someone you owe your life to, was a fascinating part of playing Henry,” Lessard shares.
One of the pivotal moments in the film is Henry’s confrontation with violence. After initially killing in self-defense, he is faced with another critical decision: to kill again, this time not for revenge, but to protect someone else. This marks Henry’s transition from being driven by others’ expectations to taking control of his own fate.
Lessard’s performance is bolstered by a stellar cast. Pierce Brosnan, as Gabriel Dove, delivers a powerful portrayal of a morally ambiguous sheriff trying to maintain order in a town teetering on chaos. Brosnan’s character is the moral compass of Trinity, yet he carries his own dark secrets. His scenes with Lessard capture the tension between the law and personal justice, as Henry navigates his own journey of revenge.
Samuel L. Jackson’s St. Christopher is equally compelling. As a seemingly all-knowing figure who pulls strings from behind the scenes, Jackson’s performance is both charismatic and unsettling. His dynamic with Lessard’s Henry provides some of the film’s most intense and thought-provoking moments. Christopher’s manipulation of Henry highlights the blurred line between good and evil in the world of The Unholy Trinity
Other notable actors in the film include Veronica Ferres, who plays a pivotal role in the town’s political power dynamics. Her character brings an additional layer of complexity to the narrative, as Henry must decide whether to align with her vision of the town’s future or forge his own path.
Director Richard Gray brings a fresh take on the Western genre with The Unholy Trinity. While staying true to the hallmarks of classic Westerns—gunfights, moral ambiguity, and the harsh landscapes of the American frontier—the film delves deeper into the psychological aspects of its characters. Gray’s choice of Paradise Valley, Montana, as the setting enhances the authenticity of the film, with the sweeping vistas serving as both a beautiful and foreboding backdrop to the story
Gray’s previous works, such as Murder at Yellowstone City and Robert the Bruce, have shown his capability to handle complex narratives set in historical contexts. Unholy Trinity continues this trend, with Gray drawing nuanced performances from his cast while exploring timeless themes of justice, revenge, and redemption
Behind the scenes, The Unholy Trinity was a demanding project, particularly for Lessard. The actor described some of the physical challenges he faced, including a harrowing scene where he was hung upside down while being beaten. “It was one of the toughest scenes I’ve ever done. I had to convey so much emotion while physically restrained, and it really pushed me as an actor,” Lessard recalls. Despite the grueling nature of the shoot, Lessard credits his co-stars and the supportive atmosphere on set for helping him navigate the more intense moments
The film was shot during a challenging time for the industry, with production continuing under a SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreement amidst the actors’ strike. Director Gray expressed gratitude for being able to continue working with such an exceptional cast during this period, describing the collaboration as one of the highlights of his career
For Brandon Lessard, The Unholy Trinity represents a significant step forward in his career. The role of Henry has allowed him to explore new depths as an actor, and his portrayal of a man grappling with vengeance, loyalty, and self-identity is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences. “This was my first leading role,” Lessard reflects, “and it taught me that you can’t hold back as an actor. You have to give everything to your character, and that’s something I’ll take with me into every future project”
With a compelling story, a talented cast, and a director known for his ability to blend history with drama, The Unholy Trinity is set to be a standout film in the Western genre. The movie not only redefines the concept of revenge but also explores the redemptive power of choice, making it a must-see for fans of complex, character-driven narratives.
