Netflix Western with unrecognisable Brit star hailed a 'masterpiece'

The mini-series has left a lasting impression on viewers with its "incredible cast" and captivating storyline, so much so that they're left wanting more.

Penned and helmed by Scott Frank, Godless is an American western set in 1884 that captured considerable attention from TV enthusiasts when it first aired in 2017.

Spanning seven episodes, the "masterpiece" programme follows the journey of Roy Goode, a wounded outlaw portrayed by Jack O'Connell, who chooses to flee from his mentor, Frank Griffin, following his intolerable conduct.

READ MORE: Rylan Clark announces 'last day' on This Morning after backlash over immigration comments

READ MORE: Good Morning Britain star quits ITV show after four years and joins GB News

His gang seek to exact vengeance on Goode after he apparently 'betrayed' the brotherhood by stealing from them.

Whilst fleeing from his boss, the young man ends up in a small New Mexico town called La Belle, inhabited almost exclusively by women, reports the Express.

When the inhabitants of La Belle learn of Griffin's approach to the town, the women choose to unite in order to protect their new resident.

A glowing Rotten Tomatoes review says: "Godless is a powerful and beautifully crafted Western mini-series that captivates with its stunning cinematography, compelling characters, and heartfelt storytelling.

The performances, especially by Michelle Dockery and Jeff Daniels, are phenomenal, breathing life into a gritty tale of resilience, redemption, and community.

"What makes Godless stand out is its emotional depth and the way it centres strong, complex women in a genre traditionally dominated by men."

Meanwhile, another claimed it was "one of the best miniseries of the 2010s".

Jack O'Connell delivers the lead performance in what audiences are hailing as "outstanding" acting.

The grounded, Derby-born star successfully portrays a believable American desperado, working alongside renowned former child actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Portraying Whitey Winn, a youthful town deputy loyal to his sheriff, Brodie-Sangster delivers a remarkable performance, dramatically different from characters he embodied in sentimental noughties cinema.

The 35-yearold remains most famous for his role as the little lad in Love Actually, plus appearances in Nanny McPhee and The Maze Runner franchise.

One review says: "Jeff Daniels and Jack O'Connell are excellent in their respective roles of antipodes, as they switch between being the hunter and the hunted. The ensemble consisting of Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever and Michelle Dockery are equally good, as they hold together a story that is rightly paced.

"And yes, this is a brainchild of Scott Frank, who went on to make the more civilised and well-appreciated 'The Queen's Gambit' in 2020. The locations and the cinematography are equally valuable actors."

One fan wrote: "Excellent limited series and one of the best shows of 2017. Some clever writing, sweeping cinematography, and great gunfights lead to one of the best Western TV series ever made."

Many devotees of Godless continue to express their desire for more episodes beyond the short series. On the other hand, some are pleased that it didn't overstretch the storyline, noting: "Brilliant show. Unlike so many others, I love that it didn't try to be more than the 7-episode run, which was all the story needed to tell it."

Before you settle in for your next big telly marathon, all episodes of Godless are ready to stream now, exclusively on Netflix.