Tex is a powerful coming-of-age story that stands out for its raw, honest portrayal of teenage life and the complex bond between two brothers. Based on the novel by S.E. Hinton, the film captures the struggles of adolescence with a raw realism that defined many of the best films of its era.
The story centers on sixteen-year-old Tex McCormick (Matt Dillon), a charming but reckless high school student living in a rural Oklahoma town with his older brother, Mason (Jim Metzler). Their father, a rodeo rider, is often absent, leaving Mason to assume the role of Tex’s guardian.
While Mason tries to instill a sense of responsibility in his younger brother, Tex is more interested in horses, chasing girls, and getting into trouble with his best friend, Johnny Collins (Emilio Estevez).
Tex’s carefree world begins to unravel as Mason struggles financially and with the weight of his responsibilities. Their relationship is tested by Tex’s impulsive behavior, including an incident with his horse and a trip that goes horribly wrong.
Matt Dillon and Jim Metzler in Tex (Photo/Disney)
The film also introduces the character of Tex’s friend’s sister, Jamie Collins (Meg Tilly), with whom he has a complicated, budding relationship,
Željko Ivanek has a small but pivotal role as hitchhiker Mark Jennings.
The cast is further enriched by veteran actors like Ben Johnson as Cole Collins, Frances Lee McCain as Mrs. Johnson, and Phil Brock as Lem Peters, a friend of Mason’s.
Through a series of heartbreaking and eye-opening events, Tex is forced to confront the harsh realities of his family’s situation and the consequences of his actions.
The film doesn’t offer easy answers but instead provides a poignant look at a young man’s journey from naive boy to someone who finally understands the weight of responsibility and the importance of family.
Reception for Tex
Tex grossed $7.4 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film four out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Tex is significant as a key entry in the “Hinton cinematic universe” of the 1980s, alongside The Outsiders and Rumble Fish. It’s celebrated for its authentic and unsentimental portrayal of working-class adolescence. It’s also notable as a major early role for Dillon, whose performance as the rebellious yet vulnerable Tex cemented his status as a teen icon of the time.
The film is remembered for its powerful emotional core and its refusal to shy away from difficult themes, making it a more serious and enduring coming-of-age film than many of its contemporaries.
