Wind River

Native Americans have been the backbone of North America for thousands of years. Their culture has been used and blended throughout our society and helps shape what the United States is today. However, the recognition of Native people is not proportionate to the contributions they have made. This disparity even extends into areas such as crime reporting and justice. In some counties, cities, and states in the U.S., “Native American” is not even an available option when filing a police report. A movie that captures this reality and portrays life on a reservation, sexual assault, and the Native way of living is Wind River.

There are few movies from the past decade that are both well-made and original. Wind River is one of those films. It begins with a girl running barefoot through the snowy mountains of Wyoming. She collapses and ultimately dies from exposure. This incident quietly sets off the mystery at the heart of the story, though the audience may not immediately recognize it as a mystery film.

The movie does a very good job of balancing drama and thriller elements with the uncertainty of the investigation. The main protagonists are Elizabeth Olsen, who plays the FBI agent assigned to the case, and Jeremy Renner, a local hunter and tracker who assists her. The deceased girl is revealed to be a close family friend of Renner’s character. She had been raped and fled into the wilderness, where she succumbed to the extreme cold.

What sets this movie apart is the climactic scene where the police and FBI confront the suspects. The resulting gunfight is one of the most realistic portrayals of violence I’ve seen on screen, especially according to people who have experienced real-life combat. The way this scene builds to the film's climax is powerful and intense. There is no unnecessary runtime added; the film is tight, sudden, and ultimately satisfying as we see how Renner’s character manages the situation. The ending is fulfilling yet thought-provoking, leaving viewers with deeper questions about society and justice.

Wind River presents the harsh realities we often ignore in today’s culture, but it does so without being overtly political. It simply shows the issues we need to face—together. It's a well-crafted film with a runtime of just under two hours, making it impactful without feeling drawn out or money driven. I highly recommend this movie to every mature young adult and above who appreciates meaningful cinema, especially those who enjoy unique storytelling that breaks away from the typical five-act structure.