Review: Wind River

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What's left out here?

Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) hunts predators on farm lands for a living. While he's on a job at the Wind River Indian Reservation, he stumbles upon a corpse of a girl he knew, Natalie. (Kelsey Asbille) FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is the only agent available and is sent to investigate Natalie's murder. But she soon finds out that the law is handled very differently there.

Writer/Director Taylor Sheridan is on a role. He's written wonderful films like Sicario and Hell or High Water, and he brings the same level of precision here. But it has to be said, this film really is just Sicario on a Native reservation. Jane is an FBI agent with a good heart like Kate. Cory, like Alejandro is driven by a family tragedy. They even have a conversation towards the end of the film with "wolves" thrown in. But what it lacks in originality it makes up everywhere else.

I'm okay with seeing another version of Sicario because this film was really great on its own. It builds tension masterfully and shines a light on the struggle of lawful jurisdiction on the Reservation. You almost feel tired watching these characters trek through all this snow. It made us feel like we were there. 

Jeremy Renner is amazing in this role, I think it's become my favorite role of his to date. He and Elizabeth Olsen have amazing chemistry together. (And of course seeing them just made me even more hyped for Avengers: Infinity War) The supporting cast makes the most of their screen time as well. Gil Birmingham who plays the grieving father is excellent. He wears his feelings on his face and his final scene is one of the best in the film. 

I can't wait to see what Sheridan does next. This very simplistic, yet rich approach to crime thrillers is compelling. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A

Memorable Quote: "Luck doesn't live out here. It lives in the city." - Cory (Jeremy Renner)



Comments

  1. thevoid99August 30, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    I do want to see this as I'm becoming a fan of what Taylor Sheridan is doing. Plus, I'm stoked to see Elizabeth Olsen getting some meaty roles as she is really an amazing actress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 31, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      She is. This is a good year for her between this and Ingrid Goes West.

      Delete
  2. s.August 30, 2017 at 3:16 PM

    I'm so hyped for this. I already have the score to listen to since I love Cave and Ellis' stuff. Both Sicario and Hell or High Water were in my top 5 of the respective years they were released in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 31, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      This is definitely on my prelim top 10 already. Not that much is there yet, but I imagine it stays there.

      Delete
  3. Candice FrederickAugust 30, 2017 at 11:07 PM

    EEEk! I am so mad i missed this screening. Oooh, and a Sicario reference! High praise!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 31, 2017 at 8:01 AM

      I hope you get a chance to see it soon! It's wonderful.

      Delete
  4. Big Screen Small WordsAugust 30, 2017 at 11:57 PM

    I'm looking forward to watching this. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  5. BirgitAugust 31, 2017 at 10:06 AM

    I have heard of this film and now, with your great review, it is on the top of my list!

    ReplyDelete
  6. GetterSeptember 11, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    Will watch it when it's available for me for sure. The fact that it's another version of Sicario is a bit disappointing but I think I'll still enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamSeptember 12, 2017 at 6:40 AM

      Like I said, even the similarities can't bring it down. It's just a good movie.

      Delete

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