This “thought-provoking” western was nominated for four Oscars and has been praised by fans for its historically accuracy and stellar performances.

Written and directed by Paul Greengrass News of The World (2020) is set in 1870 in the Reconstruction Era in Texas. Tom Hanks plays Captain Kidd, who is a Civil War veteran who finds a dishevelled little girl in the Wild West.

He finds the girl with a dead man, alongside papers which indicate that Johanna (Helena Zengel) was raised by Kiowa Native Americans after her parents were killed.

It becomes apparent that US Army sent an agent to travel with the girl but this agent died and the girl was stranded. No one wants to help the girl so Captain Kidd finally agrees.

The girl’s family were German immigrants so she barely understands any English – making communication difficult between the two. The film shows them on their journey across the Plains to her family. The story follows the unlikely pair as they trek 400 miles to Castroville, Texas.

With an impressive 89% popcorn meter on Rotten Tomatoes this is clearly a crowd pleaser. One reviewer said: “Thought provoking and absorbing. Beautifully shot, interesting story and obviously, given the talent on show, superbly acted.”

“Not often these sort of non cg shoot-em-up films are made and it’s a pleasure to watch one without them. Hanks shows why he is deservedly paid the big bucks

While another agreed saying the film is “beautiful in its ability to feel real.” They added: “Amazing in its ability to share fear. Incredible in how it makes you love the characters. Immeasurable in its feel-good vibes… eventually… A remarkable story about remarkable people doing unremarkable things.”

One IMDb user praised the film for its historical accuracy. They wrote: “We all love tom Hanks and the little girl actress does such a good job. This is really historically accurate and realistic and I appreciate that. It’s a sweet enjoyable story and not the same old tripe everyone is so used to. People don’t appreciate good story and realistic movies anymore.

“Most people have the attention span of a spoon.. take for instance they think hell on wheels is the best show ever seen, even though it’s a joke writing wise. This was actually well done. It was a bit odd how he didn’t pick up his guns he tossed. And I think the horses disappeared and reappeared in one shot. But me and my family really enjoyed it. Great movie and worth seeing it. Don’t listen to the sexist prejudice people in the reviews.”

News of The World is available to stream now on Netflix.