While the traditional Wild West may have faded into history, its spirit lives on in the films of Taylor Sheridan.Known for his gritty, modern Western stories, Sheridan brings intense showdowns and social commentary to the forefront. From growing up on a Texas ranch to being inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2021, Sheridan’s background deeply informs his work.

Sheridan’s “American Frontier Trilogy” includes acclaimed screenplays for “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water,” and his directorial debut, “Wind River.” While “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water” received significant awards attention,”Wind River,” though one of Sheridan’s best,was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Harvey Weinstein.

Sheridan wrote “Wind River” to highlight the alarmingly high rate of sexual assault and murder of indigenous American women. Originally distributed by the Weinstein Company, Sheridan fought to return control of the film to the Tunica-Biloxi tribe and secure future profits for the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. His commitment to this cause is evident in the film’s responsible handling of a difficult subject, all while delivering a compelling mystery thriller.

Unraveling the Mystery of “Wind River”

Cory Lambert dressed in white hunting gear and aiming a rifle in Wind River”>

“Wind River” opens with the statement that it was “inspired by actual events,” highlighting the sexual assault issues on reservations. The film quickly introduces Natalie Hanson (Kelsey Asbille), a young Indigenous woman, running for her life in the Wyoming wilderness.

Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner),a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officer, discovers Natalie’s frozen body while tracking mountain lions. FBI Agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) arrives to investigate, but she is unprepared for the harsh conditions and the complexities of the case. The autopsy reveals that Natalie died from a pulmonary hemorrhage and may have been sexually assaulted.

Complications arise as the coroner cannot declare the death a homicide, limiting the FBI’s involvement. Lambert, haunted by the death of his own daughter, joins Banner and tribal police chief Ben Shoyo (Graham Greene) to investigate. Suspects include Natalie’s boyfriend, Matt (Jon Bernthal), and her brother Chip’s (Martin Sensmeier) troubled friends. Banner soon realizes the law’s limited reach on the reservation, and the inquiry becomes increasingly hazardous.

The Enduring Appeal of “Wind River”

“Wind River” distinguishes itself as a serious crime thriller, akin to Sean Penn’s “The Pledge” or Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners,” by focusing on the profound pain experienced by the victim’s family and community. Taylor Sheridan’s respectful approach, combined with Ben Richardson’s cinematography, elevates the film beyond typical murder mysteries.While the emphasis on human drama slightly impacts the thriller aspect, the tense finale provides a satisfying resolution, reinforcing Sheridan’s theme of the modern Wild West.

The film features excellent performances from its cast. Jeremy Renner delivers one of his best performances as Cory Lambert, conveying deep emotion beneath a stoic exterior.Elizabeth Olsen overcomes initial misgivings to portray a strong and determined FBI agent. Graham Greene shines as the tribal police chief, and Jon Bernthal delivers a solid performance as Natalie’s boyfriend. Gil Birmingham stands out as Natalie’s grieving father.

Sheridan draws inspiration from authors like Cormac McCarthy (“No Country for Old Men”) and Larry McMurtry (“The Last Picture show”), evident in the terse dialogue and hard-won wisdom found in “Wind River.” The Coen Brothers also serve as an inspiration, with Natalie’s death evoking memories of “Fargo.” However, unlike the Coens’ darkly comic approach, Natalie’s death is portrayed as a profound tragedy. “Wind River” offers satisfying action while providing an honest portrayal of trauma and bereavement.