Matewan (Review) – A Gritty, Unflinching Portrait of Appalachian Labor History

Matewan isn’t a glossy, fast-paced period drama—it’s a gritty, unvarnished slice of history that breathes life into one of Appalachia’s most pivotal labor battles. Set in 1920s West Virginia, the film captures the simmering tensions between coal miners, a ruthless company, and hired gunmen with a patience and authenticity that makes the story feel lived-in rather than staged. It’s not just about a strike; it’s about dignity, survival, and the high cost of standing up to power.

Still from Matewan (1987)

Chris Cooper, in his film debut, delivers a quietly resolute performance as labor organizer Joe Kenehan. He’s no firebrand rabble-rouser; instead, Cooper plays him as a measured, principled man trying to unite a fractured community of miners—Italians, Black migrants, and locals—against a common enemy. His understated approach makes the moments of defiance hit all the harder. Mary McDonnell and Will Oldham (in a remarkably nuanced child role) bring equally grounded performances that give the film a deep human core.

Director John Sayles approaches the story with the meticulous care of a historian and the empathy of a storyteller. The world of Matewan is dusty, dimly lit, and charged with tension. There’s no Hollywood sheen here—just creaking floors, mud-stained boots, and the oppressive presence of coal dust in every frame. Sayles refuses to turn the miners’ fight into a simple tale of good vs. evil; the unions are flawed, the workers are divided, and the violence is both inevitable and tragic.

The cinematography by Haskell Wexler deserves special praise. The film is steeped in shadow and smoke, often lit only by oil lamps or pale Appalachian sunlight. Every shot feels like a vintage photograph sprung to life. The muted color palette amplifies the sense of time and place, while the slow pacing mirrors the grinding nature of the miners’ struggle.

If there’s one challenge for modern viewers, it’s that Matewan demands patience. It builds its tension gradually, letting you feel the day-to-day grind before delivering bursts of violence and heartbreak. But for those willing to immerse themselves, the payoff is profound—it’s not just a labor story, it’s a human one.

In the end, Matewan is more than a historical reenactment; it’s a testament to the courage and unity that can emerge in the harshest conditions. It’s a film that asks you to remember the names and faces behind labor rights we take for granted today.

For Matewan, I’d give it 845 out of 1000.

Here’s the breakdown:

- Story & Historical Impact: 270/300

- Acting (Cooper, McDonnell, Oldham, ensemble): 255/300

- Direction & Pacing: 180/250

-Cinematography & Production: 140/150

It’s a slow burn, but a beautifully shot and powerfully acted one—an essential piece of Appalachian and labor history brought to life on screen.