First Cow
A masterpiece...keenly attuned to details of history, both human and natural.
First Cow
Kelly Reichardt once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner's prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America.
Genre
Drama,
Western
Runtime
122
Language
English
Director
Kelly Reichardt
Writer(s)
Kelly Reichardt,
Jonathan Raymond
Cast
John Magaro,
Orion Lee,
René Auberjonois,
Toby Jones,
Ewen Bremner,
Scott Shepherd,
Orion Lee,
Gary Farmer
FEATURED REVIEW
Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times
To describe the perfect final shot of “First Cow,” Kelly Reichardt’s marvelous new picture, would not constitute a spoiler, exactly — at least not in the traditionally understood sense. Like quite a few movies, this one basically foreshadows, without entirely giving away, its own ending. The story ...
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