1870, North Texas and Civil War veteran Captain Kidd (Tom Hanks) travels from town to town reading the news from across the country to those who will pay a dime to hear it. On his travels he stumbles across a young girl named Johanna (Helena Zengel), who was orphaned, taken and raised by the Kiowa tribe. He takes it upon himself to ferry her hundreds of miles to an aunt and uncle she does not even remember. 

News Of The World is a deceptively slight story. A western where a disillusioned war veteran must travel with a young girl and keep her safe. But within that tiny story is an exceptionally crafted film with great visuals, a stirring score and excellent performances. 

Tom Hanks previous film with director Paul Greengrass was Captain Phillips and Hanks delivered a brilliant understated performance. He does so again here in a performance that is filled with tiny touches that imbue it with infinite amounts of personality. He is matched by a thirteen year old actress who must be one of the biggest child actor finds in quite some time. Zengal portrays a young girl who has been orphaned twice with powerful resourcefulness. 

The story is quite episodic as the pair encounter different people and troubles on their journey. But the wider story has a message about how opening your eyes to the wider world around you and being tolerant and open to those people different to you is a good thing. A message for our times if there ever was one. 

Some people may not warm to its slow pace and slight story but I was charmed by an old fashioned western with glorious visuals and great performances.