Not since 2009's The Hurt Locker has Jeremy Renner had a role that called for such subtle humanity and quiet anguish as he gets to display in Taylor Sheridan's superb mystery drama, Wind River. After a young Native American girl's murdered body is found in the frozen snow of Wyoming wilderness' Indian reservation, Renner's Cory Lambert, a huntsman who tracks predatory animals, joins FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen, clearly the most talented actress in the family) in her investigation. Along the way, we learn that Lambert's own daughter was murdered three years ago, under similar circumstances as the recent victim.
Sheridan, who wrote last year's excellent Hell or High Water, here creates a moody, atmospheric thriller that is more about character and tragedy than it is about actual thrills. This is most evident in a late shootout that is as kinetically frantic and turbulent as any you're likely to see this year: when you care about characters the way you do for Sheridan's, their pain becomes your own. Another particularly emotional scene is one where Lambert tells Banner about his daughter's death. He breaks down in tears, and eventually, so does she (you likely will as well). Wind River is a visceral, wise and profound drama about death, loss and rediscovery of one's personal inner tranquillity. After its over, you may find yourself hearing the howling Wyoming wind whistle and blow next to your ears for some time still.
A-
No comments:
Post a Comment