Diablo

In 1872, Jackson is a young Civil War veteran who wakes to find his home burning and his wife, Alexsandra, gone. He rides south through the rough land of the American West and into Mexico, following the men he believes took her. Wounds, guilt, and strange visions make the trip harder as he meets killers, an old army friend, and a native family who treat his wounds. The film has a bleak, violent, dreamlike tone and uses a late twist to question what Jackson sees.

The story centers on Jackson’s damaged mind, his need to rescue Alexsandra, and the harm caused by his anger. The film briefly uses Native healing and the past conflict between settlers and native people as part of Jackson’s recovery. The film places a black army friend, Mexican fighters, a Chinese traveler, and native characters around the white lead. Their scenes move Jackson through the chase and reveal the film’s focus on trauma, guilt, revenge, love, and the danger of confusing memory with truth.