Murder at Yellowstone City Ending Explained, Cast, and Plot

Discover the captivating twists and turns of the "Murder at Yellowstone City” ending explained, and uncover the cast and plot of ‘Murder at Yellowstone City,’ a captivating murder mystery.

by Harini

Updated Jun 13, 2023

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Murder at Yellowstone City Ending Explained, Cast, and Plot
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Murder at Yellowstone City Ending Explained

In the movie "Murder at Yellowstone City," a series of killings occur after gold prospector Robert Dunnigan arrives in town with news of his gold discovery. Dunnigan becomes the first murder victim, and former slave Cicero becomes the prime suspect. However, it becomes clear that the Sheriff has arrested the wrong man.

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The movie begins with Dunnigan revealing the location of the gold mine and subsequently being murdered. The Sheriff arrests Cicero for the crime, but Violet, the local stablehand, informs the Sheriff that Cicero's horse never left the stables, suggesting his innocence.

As the story progresses, it is revealed that Cicero has no family and chose his name after a character in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar." Alice, the wife of the pastor, visits Cicero and believes in his innocence.

While some, including Isabel, a prostitute who loved Robert, suspect Cicero of the murders, others like Alice and Violet believe in his innocence. Violet finds a love note written by Emma's alleged lover, suggesting a possible motive for Robert's murder.

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The Sheriff remains hesitant to release Cicero, partly due to a past mistake that resulted in the death of his wife. Meanwhile, Jimmy, the Sheriff's son and part-time deputy, investigates the case.

The killer strikes again, murdering Violet. Cicero manages to escape from his cell and is pursued by the Sheriff and his men. However, it is revealed that Jimmy is the real killer, and he was not acting alone.

Jimmy's motivation for the murders is revealed: he was in love with Emma and killed Isabel at her request. Emma likely wanted Isabel dead because she had been involved with her husband. It is also discovered that Jimmy killed Robert, possibly at Emma's request, so they could be together.

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Ultimately, the Sheriff, along with Thaddeus and Alice, takes Cicero into the safety of the church. Thaddeus confirms that the bullet taken from Cicero's body is different from the one that killed Robert, indicating his innocence.

The movie ends with Jimmy murdering Isabel, revealing his role as the true killer. The motivation for the murders was driven by Jimmy's love for Emma and his willingness to do whatever she asked. Violet's murder was likely a result of the evidence she found, which could have exposed Emma's involvement.

Murder at Yellowstone City Plot

Murder at Yellowstone City is a period thriller directed by Richard Gray. Set in a declining town, the story revolves around a murder mystery that unfolds after a local prospector discovers gold.

The movie takes place in Yellowstone City, a former boomtown now facing a decline. The town's fortunes seem to change when a prospector named Dunnigan strikes gold. However, tragedy strikes when Dunnigan is found murdered shortly after his discovery.

Sheriff Ambrose, played by Gabriel Byrne, immediately suspects a newcomer to town named Cicero, who was a former slave. Despite a lack of concrete evidence, the Sheriff pins the murder on Cicero due to his possession of gold. While the film does not delve into the issue of racism explicitly, it includes a subplot involving a gay couple that does not significantly impact the main narrative.

Screenwriter Eric Belgau attempts to provide each character with their own story and development. However, this results in a lengthy runtime of over two hours, despite the plot being relatively straightforward. The film struggles to effectively explore its themes, and the characters lack depth and personality despite their backstories.

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As the story progresses, the focus shifts to a moral and physical conflict between a preacher, portrayed by Thomas Jane, and Sheriff Ambrose. Director Richard Gray skillfully directs the climactic gunfights and includes a few satisfying character-related payoffs. However, the film falls short in terms of emotional engagement, despite its attempts to emphasize the characters' emotions.

While the identity of the killer may be predictable for attentive viewers, the motives behind the murder are intriguing but underutilized. The film tests the audience's patience at times, but it becomes somewhat tolerable as it reaches its action-packed climax. However, a lack of emotional depth leaves the viewer wanting more.

In summary, Murder at Yellowstone City presents an intriguing period setting and committed performances from its cast. However, it falls short in terms of thematic exploration and character development. The film's ultimate payoff may not be as satisfying as expected, and its lengthy runtime requires patience from the audience.

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Murder at Yellowstone City Cast

Actor

Character

Isaiah Mustafa

Cicero

Gabriel Byrne

Sheriff Jim Ambrose

Thomas Jane

Thaddeus Murphy

Richard Dreyfuss

Edgar Blake

Nat Wolff

Jimmy Ambrose, Jr.

Anna Camp

Alice Murphy

Aimee Garcia

Isabel Santos

Zach McGowan

Robert Dunnigan

Scottie Thompson

Emma Dunnigan

Emma Kenney

Rebecca Davies

Tanaya Beatty

Violet Running Horse

John Ales

Mickey O'Hare

Lew Temple

David Harding

Lia Marie Johnson

Eugenia Martin

Isabella Ruby

Josephine Wright

Danny Bohnen

Marcus O'Sullivan

Murder at Yellowstone City Parents Guide

Parents should be aware that Murder at Yellowstone City is a murder-mystery Western that contains intense and bloody violence. The film presents a well-told story with diverse characters and touches upon themes such as faith and discrimination. However, it is important to note that the violence depicted in the movie may not be suitable for all viewers, especially younger audiences.

The violence in Murder at Yellowstone City includes scenes of gunfights and shootings, resulting in blood spurts and bloody corpses. There are instances of throat-slicing with gushing blood, as well as scenes depicting strangling, punching, kicking, and hitting with blunt objects. Additionally, there are scenes that involve digging bullets out of flesh and an explosion.

The dialogue in the film also contains elements of violence, with characters engaging in violent conversations. It is essential for parents to consider the age and maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch this movie.

Overall, Murder at Yellowstone City presents a compelling story with thought-provoking themes, but the intense and graphic violence depicted throughout the film makes it more suitable for mature audiences. Parents are encouraged to exercise caution and make informed decisions regarding the appropriateness of this movie for their children.

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Murder at Yellowstone City Movie Review

Directed by Richard Gray and featuring an ensemble cast including Gabriel Byrne, Thomas Jane, Isaiah Mustafa, and Anna Camp, Murder at Yellowstone City is a period thriller set in a declining town where a murder mystery unfolds after a local prospector discovers gold.

The film introduces us to Yellowstone City, a former boomtown that is now in decline. As luck seems to be turning around with the gold discovery by prospector Dunnigan (played by Zach McGowan), tragedy strikes when he is murdered.

The Sheriff, Ambrose (Gabriel Byrne), immediately pins the murder on Cicero (Isaiah Mustafa), a former slave who recently arrived in town, even though there is no solid evidence beyond Cicero possessing some gold. The movie does not explicitly address racism, despite the Sheriff's racist attitudes, but it includes an inexplicable reveal of a gay couple that does not have much impact on the overall story.

Screenwriter Eric Belgau attempts to give each character their own story and development, resulting in a bloated runtime of over 2 hours for a relatively straightforward narrative. Unfortunately, the script does not effectively explore its themes, and the characters lack depth and personality despite the time spent on their backstories.

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As the film progresses, it sidelines many of its characters (after attempting to develop them) to focus on a generic moral and physical battle between a preacher (Thomas Jane) and the lawman. Director Richard Gray brings some skillful direction to the climactic gunfights and includes a few entertaining character-related payoffs. However, the film ultimately falls short, lacking emotional engagement despite its efforts in that department.

While the grand revelation of the killer may be predictable to attentive viewers, there are intriguing motives behind the events that are unfortunately squandered and lack logical coherence. Murder at Yellowstone City tests the audience's patience at times, but as the story reaches its action-focused climax, it becomes somewhat tolerable. However, one wishes the film had delivered a more emotionally engaging experience, considering its strong emphasis on the character's emotions.

In conclusion, Murder at Yellowstone City offers period piece details and committed performances from its cast, but it falls short in terms of thematic exploration and character development. The film's ultimate payoff may not be as satisfying as hoped, and it requires a considerable amount of patience to endure its runtime.

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Murder at Yellowstone City Movie Trailer



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Murder at Yellowstone City Ending Explained - FAQ

1. How does "Murder at Yellowstone City" end? Can you explain the ending?         

At the ending of "Murder at Yellowstone City," it is revealed that Jimmy Ambrose, Jr., played by Nat Wolff, is the true killer. He is motivated by his love for Emma Dunnigan, portrayed by Scottie Thompson

2. What are the reviews for "Murder at Yellowstone City"?

Reviews for "Murder at Yellowstone City" vary. Some viewers appreciate the well-told story and diverse characters, while others feel that the film falls short in terms of thematic exploration and character development. 

3.  Is "Murder at Yellowstone City" suitable for children? Is there a parents' guide available?

"Murder at Yellowstone City" contains intense and bloody violence, including gunfights, blood spurts, throat-slicing, and graphic depictions of corpses. Due to these elements, the film may not be suitable for children

4. Where was the movie Murder at Yellowstone City filmed?

Filmed on location in Montana, Murder at Yellowstone City is the first production to be shot at Yellowstone Film Ranch, 

5. Is Murder at Yellowstone City related to Yellowstone?

Yes, the movie s Murder at Yellowstone City happens in Yellowstone.

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