Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, News of the World (2020) tells the story of Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a weary veteran turned traveling storyteller. Portrayed masterfully by Tom Hanks, Captain Kidd roams from town to town, reading the news to isolated communities. His path takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Johanna (Helena Zengel), a young girl raised by the Kiowa tribe after being orphaned.
Captain Kidd reluctantly agrees to escort Johanna to her remaining family, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey through a divided, unforgiving frontier. The film weaves a tale of resilience and compassion, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the bonds that can form between the most unlikely of companions.
Director Paul Greengrass delivers a visually captivating experience, with sweeping landscapes and meticulous attention to period detail. The film’s cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Old West, while James Newton Howard’s haunting score amplifies the emotional weight of the story. The performances are nothing short of brilliant: Tom Hanks brings his signature warmth and gravitas to Captain Kidd, while Helena Zengel shines as Johanna, portraying the girl’s fragility and fierceness with remarkable depth.
