The writer of SICARIO and HELL OR HIGH WATER delivers another powerful piece of storytelling
So often a thriller packs in twists and turns, thrills and spills…of blood…but loses track of the human element. With Sicario and Hell or High Water, writer Taylor Sheridan showed how to masterfully blend the two. Wind River, which marks his second effort as director, is another impressive feat, a chilling tale that weaves in a haunting look at social and economic issues that plague the population of a Native American reservation.
Synopsis:
Wind River is a chilling thriller that follows a rookie FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen), who teams up with a game tracker with deep community ties and a haunted past (Jeremy Renner) to investigate the mysterious killing of a local girl on a remote Native American reservation.
Wind River is a simple tale, one not overladen with details or exposition, but still packed with substance and depth. U.S. Wildlife service agent Cory Lambert (Renner) comes across the body of a Native American teen in the frozen tundra of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming. It’s a discovery made all the more unsettling because of similarities to the murder of his own daughter a few years earlier. To assist in the investigation, the FBI dispatches agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) who recruits Lambert to help her understand the landscape and social situation. What ensues is a slow-burn thriller, bringing in procedural elements while looking at the social and economic strife in this region. It explores the pain of the Native Americans as history, politics, geography, and encroaching commercial interests surround them and exacerbate their strife.
Renner impresses with a sombre turn. A speech where he passes on advice on how to deal with the loss of a child is imbued with a genuinely moving authenticity, and exemplified a quiet, understated, and moving performance. Olsen’s Banner is reminiscent of Sicario’s Kate Macer (the superb Emily Blunt). She’s not as idealistic, but certainly led by a strong moral code. Macer is level headed and has the smarts to ask for help when she knows she needs it, more important as she recognizes the suspicion with which another outsider is treated. It’s not the derivative arrogant FBI agent or some hapless rookie stumbling into a situation; it’s a far more human portrayal thanks to both script and Olsen’s performance. Together they have a great chemistry, one aided by the presence of Graham Green as the local police chief, who brings a weary wit to proceedings.
Sheridan makes the most of the bleak and beautiful landscape to craft a truly haunting film. A claustrophobic, depressed atmosphere highlight the cultural divide and mistrust between Native and white Americans. This is a place where the American flag is hung upside down. Many of the younger generation have fallen afoul of substance abuse and other crimes, fueled by a lack of jobs and a future. They’re faced with staying in poverty, clinging to what is left of their culture, or saving themselves and moving on. That’s the real tragedy of it all — they lose whatever they choose. The film does lose its way a little with the resolution, a climax veering into more violent fare that seems at odds with the more nuanced buildup, but it remains a powerful piece.
The Package
Any film that presents a snow strewn landscape can often highlight any transfer inadequacies; thankfully Wind River is very well represented here. Sharp detail and contrast, natural color representation, and deep blacks abound. Its a very clean transfer. Extras are a tad lacking, and the absence of an audio commentary is vexing, but included are:
- Deleted Scenes: Two separate short scenes, totaling around 3 minutes. No commentary is provided to explain their excision.
- Behind-the-Scenes Video Gallery: Running around 10 minutes, it’s a compilation of 3 interviews with stars Renner, Olsen, and writer/director Sheridan. They share experiences with each other, on set, and the director expands on his inspiration and intent for the film. Short, but with some nuggets of info in there.
- Code for digital download.
The Bottom Line
Taylor Sheridan made his mark with Sicario and Hell or High Water, and with Wind River he further burnishes his reputation. It’s just a shame the special features weren’t more expansive here to complement an enthralling tale. One that drives home the harshness of life, the brutality of people, and the strength in spirit of those who seek to survive.
Wind River arrives on Digital HD October 31 and Blu-ray and DVD November 14.
