Cowboys & Aliens is a 2011 American science fiction Western action thriller directed by Jon Favreau. The film stars Daniel Craig as Jake Lonergan, Harrison Ford as Colonel Woodrow Dolarhyde, and Olivia Wilde as Ella Swenson. It is based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. Set in a retro-futuristic version of the 1870s Southwestern United States, the film uniquely blends the Western and science fiction genres, telling the story of an amnesiac outlaw who teams up with a wealthy cattleman and a mysterious traveler to save their town from alien invaders.
The plot begins with Jake Lonergan waking up in the desert with a strange metal bracelet attached to his wrist and no memory of who he is. He stumbles into the town of Absolution, where Sheriff John Taggart attempts to arrest him. However, a mysterious woman named Ella intervenes, revealing that there are greater threats at play. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that a group of townspeople has been abducted by aliens, prompting Jake, Dolarhyde, Ella, and other townsfolk to form a posse to confront this extraterrestrial menace.
The film features several action-packed sequences as the posse encounters various challenges, including confrontations with both the aliens and Jake's former gang. The aliens are depicted as formidable foes, capturing townsfolk for experiments while mining gold from the Earth. The narrative escalates to a climactic battle where Jake and his allies must use their wits and courage to defeat the alien invaders.
Despite its intriguing premise and star-studded cast, Cowboys & Aliens received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. While some praised its ambitious blend of genres and visual effects, others criticized its screenplay and pacing. Nevertheless, it has garnered a following for its unique take on both the Western and science fiction genres, showcasing how disparate elements can be woven together into an entertaining narrative.