Bonney is a Western drama set in the late 1800s, revolving around the tragic story of Billy Bonney, better known as Billy the Kid, and his unexpected reunion with an old friend, Wilbur Walsh.
The story begins in a quiet hotel in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, on July 14th, 1881, where Wilbur, a weary journalist, checks into the hotel and crosses paths with Billy, a former delivery boy he once knew. Now a hardened outlaw on the run, Billy's appearance and actions reveal his troubled past. The two men reconnect, reminiscing about old times and catching up. Billy, despite his violent past, is shown to have a softer side as he bonds with Wilbur.
The night takes a turn when tensions with Elijah, a surly local farmer, leads to a confrontation. Though Billy manages to outsmart him in a poker game, the animosity between them lingers. As the night progresses, Billy shares details of his violent life with Wilbur, who is now documenting the tumultuous events surrounding the Lincoln County War.
As Billy and Wilbur’s reunion deepens, Billy warns Wilbur about the dangers of the lawless land they inhabit. Despite his reservations, Wilbur listens and agrees to take a gun for his own safety. However, their reunion is short-lived. Billy is shot and killed by Sheriff Garrett and Elijah in the hotel hallway, leaving Wilbur devastated. As Billy dies in his arms, he hands Wilbur a journal filled with reflections and letters to Governor Lew Wallace, revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles of a man at war with the law.
The story culminates with Wilbur visiting Billy's grave, finding his journal and the letters within. Moved by Billy’s death, Wilbur decides to take up Billy’s cause, using his own journalistic platform to seek justice for his fallen friend. As he sets out on a new mission, Wilbur writes a final tribute to Billy, promising to fight for justice in his honor.
Bonney is a tale of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier, blending themes of redemption and the personal costs of survival in a violent world.
Director: Dylan Murillo
Producer: Drew Stricker
Writer: Grey Copeland
Cinematographer: Brody Peters
Editor: Pablo Centeno