Film Review: ‘Wind River’

Wind River
Direction: Taylor Sheridan
Screenplay: Taylor Sheridan
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen
Length: 111 minutes
Rating: R

Inspired by actual events, we follow US Fish and Wildlife Service tracker Cory Lambert (Renner) who must deal with the wild animals that threaten the livestock on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, United States, in the wild wild mid-western heartlands of the country. For those who will be counting, the corpse counter increases steadily as dead wolves and cows all make appearances at the opening.

One day, however, he discovers a human body, of a Native American teenage girl who has died under suspicious circumstances. A young FBI agent, Jane Banner (Olsen), called in from Las Vegas by the tribal police chief for assistance, arrives initially unprepared for the nature of the case file and daily life in this often forgotten part of America. Harsh living conditions and poor future prospects dominate the people of these lands as much as the cold climate and severe landscapes that imprison them.

Capitalism, globalisation and infrastructure have bypassed them completely, despite these ideas being so powerfully promoted by Western civilisation, resulting in a rejection of federal government in favour of local sustainability and individual survival. Life here is difficult and dangerous, of course, but not to the point of depression and desperation. In contrast to the bitter weather, the film provides a warm introduction to the characters of the story. But beware. Danger is ever present and everywhere.

Hot and cold are the two themes that flow throughout this film, creating a successful partnership worthy enough to equal that of the two main protagonists. Passions fire and emotions flare battling the plain bleakness and isolating darkness of the lands and people. Country music featuring piano and guitars intersect with pounding drums and melancholy violins in a wildly contrasting score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. ‘Wind River’ is a film that builds and builds, more and more, from a slow introduction to an explosive finale of tragedy, revenge and survival. Subsequently, the corpse counter going off the scale.

After ‘Sicario’ and ‘Hell or High Water’, writer Taylor Sheridan continues to deliver with another clever screenplay for ‘Wind River’ where he also makes an accomplished directorial debut. Interestingly, ‘Wind River’ will be joined by ‘The Mountain Between Us’ and ‘The Snowman’, all within one month, as the most recent additions to the winter set thriller with a male and female protagonist working together for the first time film club. Winter is coming!

“Why are you looking for clues when you’re missing all the signs?”

‘Wind River’ is in cinemas now.

7/10.