First Cow movie still
First Cow movie poster

First Cow (2019)

Drama

Director: Kelly Reichardt
Writers: Jonathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt
Starring: Toby Jones, John Magaro, Orion Lee, Rene Auberjonois


Kelly Reichardt (Certain Women, Meek's Cutoff) 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 has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant 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.

Plot summary from IMDb: A skilled cook has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant also seeking his fortune. Soon the two collaborate on a successful business.


Awards: 1 nomination.
Runtime: 122 min
PG-13

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