"Wind River" (2017) Movie Review

Wind River is a spectacular film, one that is stunning and disturbing and shakes you to the core. What makes the film so impactful is its honesty, showing crime exactly how it is and never shying away from the grim reality most young people face today.

The film takes place on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Inspired by actual events, the film follows Cody Lambert (Jeremy Renner), a tracker and game hunter who stumbles upon the body of a young girl while hunting mountain lions. FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) leads the investigation and asks Cody to help her solve the crime. What they find is more than Jane expected and the investigation hits Cody a little too close to home.

The story is a well-written and remarkably directed cat-and-mouse thriller, but what makes the film so much more intense is the setting: a barren, snow-covered landscape that is prone to blizzards and heavy snowstorms. This beautiful yet dangerous location gives the audience the feeling of loneliness and inescapability.

The acting was impressive as well. Not only was this a step up for Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen but it also showed just how incredible Gil Birmingham can be in serious roles. Gil was only on-screen for a short time but he stole the scenes he had.

Wind River also featured a surprise cameo from Jon Bernthal who is fast-becoming a superstar. Known for his dark and sometimes villainous roles, it was a good change of pace (albeit a sad scene) to see him as a good man defending the one part of him that he couldn't live without.

In conclusion, I have nothing but high praise for Wind River. I hope that it can gain attention and be seen by many more people out there. The message is important to hear and understand while the film as a whole is a tragic, heartbreaking, and truly eye-opening experience that will stick with you for a long time. I give it a perfect 4 out of 4.