Rust 2024

Rust is a 2024 American Western film written and directed by Joel Souza. It stars Alec Baldwin (who also produced and co-wrote the story with Souza), Patrick Scott McDermott, Josh Hopkins, Frances Fisher, and Travis Fimmel. The film follows an outlaw who flees for Mexico along with his grandson, but must avoid pursuing law enforcers. Three years before its release, the film gained notoriety due to a shooting accident in which Souza and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins were shot after a live round was discharged from a prop revolver fired between takes by Baldwin. Hutchins died shortly after, while Souza was injured. An initial set of charges against Baldwin were dropped in 2023 and another set dismissed in 2024. Producers, including Baldwin, eventually decided to resume filming, with approval from Halyna's mother and family. Souza has since expressed regret in having begun production on the film at all, stating that "I wish I never wrote the damn movie". The completed project premiered at the Polish film festival Camerimage on November 20, 2024. Rust was released theatrically in the United States on May 2, 2025 to mixed reviews.