Wind River Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A hunter and an FBI agent team up to solve a murder in Wyoming, facing both the harsh elements and the systemic injustices against Native American women, because everyone loves a good old Western in the snow, kinda.

🍿 Wind River: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery of Natalie’s Body

Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker, discovers the frozen body of Natalie Hanson, a young Native American woman, on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The harsh winter conditions and the circumstances surrounding her death point to a potential crime. Natalie is found miles from any building, without shoes and proper winter attire, and with signs of a blood-stained groin.

FBI Investigation Begins

Rookie FBI agent Jane Banner arrives to investigate Natalie’s death. Ill-prepared for the brutal Wyoming winter, she relies on Cory’s tracking skills and knowledge of the reservation. The autopsy reveals blunt trauma and sexual violence, confirming Cory’s initial suspicions of foul play. However, without definitive proof of homicide, Jane struggles to secure additional FBI resources.

Unraveling the Truth

Cory and Jane delve deeper into Natalie’s life, learning about her boyfriend, Matt Rayburn, who works security at a nearby oil drilling site. They soon discover Matt’s body, also ravaged by wildlife. The investigation leads them to the drilling site, where they encounter resistance and suspicion from the other security guards. A tense confrontation ensues, hinting at a dark secret hidden within the camp.

Flashback and the Brutal Assault

A flashback reveals the horrific events leading to Natalie’s death. Matt and Natalie are interrupted by Matt’s security teammates after a night of drinking. A vulgar crew member, Pete, taunts them and sexually harasses Natalie, provoking Matt to violence. The guards retaliate by beating Matt to death and sexually assaulting Natalie. Natalie manages to escape, running barefoot into the freezing wilderness.

Confrontation at the Drill Site

Back in the present, Jane and tribal police visit Matt’s trailer, but they’re ambushed. A firefight erupts, resulting in the deaths of tribal police officers and Jane being seriously wounded. Cory, positioned at a distance, intervenes, taking out the remaining security guards except for Pete, who flees.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner): A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker with a tragic past who helps solve the murder of a young Native American woman.
• Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen): An inexperienced but determined FBI agent who teams up with Cory to investigate the murder.
• Ben (Graham Greene): The tribal police chief who assists in the investigation, representing the local law enforcement.
• Natalie (Kelsey Asbille): The young Native American woman whose murder sets the plot in motion, highlighting the issues faced by Native American women.
• Martin (Gil Birmingham): Natalie’s grieving father who represents the pain and struggles of the Native American community.
• Matt Rayburn (Jon Bernthal): Natalie’s boyfriend and a security guard at the oil drilling site, whose murder further complicates the investigation.
• Pete (James Jordan): The security guard and main perpetrator of violence against Natalie and Matt.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cory Lambert: “Luck doesn’t live out here.” – Cory says this when talking to Jane about the harsh realities of life in Wind River.
• Cory Lambert: “I decided to fight the feeling instead, ’cause I figured the world would win.” – Cory explains why he copes with his anger instead of acting out, revealing his understanding of life’s struggles.
• Jane Banner: “You’re looking for clues, but you’re missing all the signs.” – Cory tells Jane this to explain that reading the land and understanding the culture are essential to solving the case.
• Martin: “Why is it that whenever you people offer help, you always insult us first?” – Martin says this to Jane, highlighting the complex relationship between Native Americans and the federal government.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $11,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $33,800,859
• Worldwide Gross: $44,202,682

💥 Wind River Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into ‘Wind River’ from the start. The stark Wyoming landscape is almost a character itself. Renner’s portrayal of Cory, a man battling his own demons while seeking justice for the victim, was phenomenal. Elizabeth Olsen held her own against the winter backdrop and the local culture. The ending was so intense, it left me speechless for a while. I was moved beyond words. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers and neo-westerns”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about social issues and marginalized communities”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and atmospheric cinematography”
  • “People who enjoy movies written or directed by Taylor Sheridan”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and disturbing images”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Themes of grief and loss”

Professional Reviews

• Rama’s Screen: “Taylor Sheridan crafts a cunning and sharp thriller, like a great American classic. Elizabeth Olsen performs like Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling, and Jeremy Renner embodies a tough, old-timer Western hero. A complex yet cleverly woven narrative evolves into a thirst for retribution, heightened by a chilling, harsh environment.
• N/A: “A gripping murder mystery with Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker and an FBI agent attempt to solve the murder of a young woman whose body is discovered on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.
• N/A: “The scenery, the score, the dialogue and the acting were all on point. Some of Jeremy Renner’s best work.

Audience Reactions

Jeremy Renner’s performance was a standout, portraying a complex and broken character effectively.: Viewers commonly praise the film’s intense atmosphere, strong performances, and gripping mystery.

The film’s portrayal of Native American hardship and cultural complexities resonated deeply with many viewers.: The respect and authenticity with which the Native American culture was presented received significant acclaim.

Overall Consensus: Wind River is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller praised for its strong performances, authentic portrayal of Native American life, and its exploration of grief and justice in a desolate setting.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Director (Un Certain Regard))- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Writer-director Taylor Sheridan was inspired to write the film after learning about the high number of unsolved murders of Native American women on reservations.”
• “During filming, Sheridan was visited by Shoshone tribal leaders who told him that there were 12 unsolved murders of young women on a reservation of about 6,000 people at that time.”
• “The film was shot on location in Utah, despite being set in Wyoming, to take advantage of the state’s film incentives and diverse landscapes.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wind River?

Wind River is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on cable and satellite services. For physical media collectors, the movie is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wind River, you might like these similar films:

• Hell or High Water (2016): Also written by Taylor Sheridan, it explores similar themes of economic hardship and desperation in a rural American setting.
• Sicario (2015): Written by Taylor Sheridan, shares his signature gritty realism, suspenseful storytelling and exploration of moral ambiguity in law enforcement.
• Frozen River (2008): Features a similar bleak and harsh setting, focusing on the struggles of marginalized communities and the desperation that leads to crime.
• The Revenant (2015): Captures the unforgiving nature and harsh beauty of the American wilderness, with a focus on survival and revenge in a historical context.

🛒 Wind River Related Products

• Wind River: Limited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook: A premium collector’s edition featuring exclusive artwork, behind-the-scenes content, and interviews. Includes a high-definition transfer of the film and Dolby Atmos audio.
• Wind River (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Audio CD: Official soundtrack featuring haunting and atmospheric music by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, capturing the film’s emotional depth and desolate setting.
• The Sicario Trilogy (Sicario / Hell or High Water / Wind River) [Blu-ray]: Features Sicario (2015), Hell or High Water (2016), and Wind River (2017). All three films written by Taylor Sheridan.
• Lander, Wyoming, USA – Movie Film Location Poster: Commemorative poster of Lander, Wyoming, where Wind River filming took place. Captures the town’s character.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wind River features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “See You in Hell” – performed by Joey Stylez
• “End Titles” – performed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Wind River – Movie Review

Wondering if Wind River is worth watching? Check out Chris Stuckmann’s review to get a critical analysis of the film’s plot, performances, and direction.

Wind River – Movie Review

Interested in a different take on Wind River? Jeremy Jahns shares his thoughts on the film, providing a fresh perspective on its execution and its haunting themes.

What is a Mexican Standoff – How Tarantino, Woo, and Sheridan Direct a Showdown

Curious about how the Mexican Standoff scene in Wind River was crafted? This video breaks down the techniques used by Taylor Sheridan and compares them to other iconic standoffs in film history.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=rOBqZdrKjaE

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