WIND RIVER

"Hell or High Water" was one of my absolute favorite films of 2016. The previous year's "Sicario" was a nearly universal success with critics as well as audiences. When stacked alongside 2017's "Wind River", these films make one thing absolutely certain: Taylor Sheridan is a quickly rising star in the film industry's new crop of talent. Primarily a writer prior to his most recent work, Sheridan seems to posses a flair for grit and action, but also a willingness and ability to make important social statements. With "Wind River", his feature film directing debut, Sheridan delivers a film which builds on the style and strengths of his previous works, while bringing complex, story-driving, heartfelt characters.

"Wind River" focuses on a part of American society which many people seem to forget about today. The Wind River Indian Reservation is shown to be a barren, troubled, somewhat hopeless part of the country. Locals throughout the film are quick to remind us that things like luck, help, and sympathy are hard to come by in the cold, bothered lands. Consequently, when Jane Banner, a naive and stubborn FBI agent, is called upon to investigate a rape and murder, she is largely ignorant to the customs and conventions of the reservation's native people. Jane relies on the assistance of Corey Lambert, a seasoned tracker for fish and wildlife services, who has strong ties and familiarity with the reservation's community, as well as personal motivations in solving the gruesome case. The film's leads are played beautifully by Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner. Olsen is effective as a strong-willed, confident character, but also delivers in vital situations of emotional release. Jane is often unprepared for the depth of the situations that she finds herself in, and Olsen allows for potent cathartic moments. Renner's character is rugged and hardened, qualities which we often see in the actor's roles. However, as the film progresses and details of Corey's past are revealed, this becomes one of the most emotional  performances that we have ever seen from Renner. And it is one of his best.

Sheridan directs the film to posses an atmosphere which greatly assists the story. Wide shots of vast snowy landscape enhance the important idea that when individuals are alone in the Wind River reservation, they are very, very alone. The often disturbing subject matter of the film is aided by an equally haunting setting, and a stringy, evocative score composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. I appreciated the strategy which Sheridan employs to backtrack and show viewers exactly what happened on the night of the film's core tragic event, rather than reveal the happening entirely through the characters' investigation. This is a brutal scene which may be difficult to watch, but it emphasizes the weight of the surrounding circumstances. To further laud the job done here by Sheridan, it is refreshing to see a story which allows for such natural, sincere chemistry between two characters, without rounding it into an unnecessary romantic relationship. "Wind River" is ultimately an overwhelmingly impressive debut as being both a writer and director.

Upon the close of the film, we are provided with some staggering information involving the mistreatment of women in the American Indian community. Sheridan goes about making a societal stand in the way that filmmakers should. He gives us a very entertaining film, which has action, emotion, and likable characters, while also delivering a relevant message. In a similar manner to "Hell or High Water", "Wind River" presents vital social commentary which is valuable, yet understated and not too obviously flashed in the faces of its viewers. The film enthralls, entertains, and educates, doing all three beautifully.

RATING: 8.2/10