The ritualistic torture and murder of Deputy Nick (Evan Jonigkeit) as he is scalped, cleaved crotch first, and ripped in half like a wishbone was hands-down the goriest scene of the year and a strong contender for any list of the most violent deaths ever put to screen.

Bone Tomahawk hints at the cannibal tribe's gruesome deeds throughout the film, but absolutely nothing compares to the atrocity that Zahler puts on full display during the film's most infamous scene. As a frightened Nick is pulled out of his cage by a group of cannibals, Sherriff Hunt tries in vain to escape from his cell.