Visually beautiful but heartbreaking tale

Rating: 8/10 (16 September 2018)

Wind River shines a spotlight on the dangers of too much silence and isolation plus alcohol Is a deadly combination. Visually stunning film by a first time cinematographer, Led by a talented director who lays bare the pain, fear and disappointments along with the dangers of the brutally cold landscape for those who live and work in the region.
The conversation between the two grieving fathers of murdered daughters contains a message about grief that is so well written and then performed by Jeremy Renner. Watching it at home you may feel tempted to pause and rewind it so that you could unpack everything he says.
The incredible standoff scene is filled with such tension until the violence erupts. It is powerful yet not wrapped up in special effects. In fact to be filmed in snow surrounded by white buildings it's ink credibly understated with the blood. Throughout the film when you see the blood it is not introduced to shock you but rather you learn about the dangers of the environment they live in.
I put this movie on to basically be background noise while I was working but it is an incredible movie they will not allow you to ignore it.
And then if the story itself has not moved you the facts shared at the end will disturb you. A message shown before the credits indicate that the only women in America whose disappearance is not statistically captured are native American women.
Racism did not start and will not end with the current administration and this is just another stark reminder.
Wind River is currently available on Netflix.