As the 20th edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) drew to a close, it did so in breathtaking fashion with a sold-out screening of The Unholy Trinity, the highly anticipated western thriller that has taken both audiences and critics by storm. Directed by Richard Gray and featuring an all-star cast led by Brandon Lessard, Pierce Brosnan, and Samuel L. Jackson, the film closed out the festival in grand style, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The historic Kongresshaus Theater in Zurich played host to this cinematic spectacle, with 1,000 eager viewers packed into the venue to experience the magic firsthand. The grandeur of the setting perfectly complemented the rugged landscape of 1870s Montana portrayed on screen, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and epic. With an audience of both festival-goers and industry heavyweights, the energy was palpable as the lights dimmed and the story unfolded.
The Unholy Trinity tells the tale of Henry Broadway, played by Brandon Lessard, a man torn between duty and vengeance as he navigates the morally ambiguous town of Trinity. Lessard’s performance, lauded by festival critics, brought depth and intensity to the complex role, further cementing his rise as one of Hollywood’s most captivating leading men. Speaking on the red carpet, Lessard reflected on the project: “Bringing this Western to life and seeing the audience respond so positively at Zurich is truly special. It’s an honor to be part of a film that resonates so deeply.”
Playing opposite Lessard were screen legends Pierce Brosnan as the righteous Sheriff Gabriel Dove and Samuel L. Jackson as the mysterious and enigmatic figure, St. Christopher. Together, the trio anchored a story filled with dark secrets, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of justice and treasure. The chemistry between the lead actors was one of the key talking points of the night, with Brosnan and Jackson bringing gravitas and charisma to their roles in ways that electrified the screen.
Director Richard Gray, whose previous work has earned him acclaim for blending genres and creating striking visual narratives, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. “Seeing The Unholy Trinity premiere to a sold-out crowd as the closing night film at ZFF was an incredible experience. The audience’s response was beyond what we could have hoped for, and we are truly honored to have been part of such a fantastic festival.”
Producer Kellie Brooks echoed these sentiments, noting that the Zurich Film Festival provided the perfect launchpad for the film’s journey into the international market. “Seeing the audience embrace our film at Zurich is beyond anything we could have hoped for—it’s the perfect launch for our story into the world.”
As one of the largest and most influential film festivals in the German-speaking world, ZFF has earned a reputation for showcasing the best in global cinema, and this year’s edition was no exception. Over the course of 11 days, the festival celebrated some of the year’s most anticipated films, with The Unholy Trinity proving to be a standout among a stellar lineup. The screening marked the culmination of a festival that has seen over 500 films make their world or European premiere in its 20-year history, and it provided a fitting conclusion to an event steeped in cinematic excellence.
With The Unholy Trinity now generating significant buzz for its domestic release through UTA, the future looks bright for this modern Western. As industry insiders continue to praise the film’s gripping narrative, standout performances, and stunning visual work, it seems likely that the momentum built in Zurich will propel it to even greater success.
The night was not just a celebration of the film itself but also a moment of triumph for the Zurich Film Festival, which continues to solidify its status as a major platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. The 2024 edition of ZFF may have come to an end, but its legacy will be remembered long after, thanks in no small part to The Unholy Trinity.
As the credits rolled and the crowd erupted into applause, one thing was clear—this film, and its remarkable cast, had left an indelible mark on the festival’s 20th anniversary celebration.