Wind River - A mystery thriller with a purpose

Movies about real life issues can be very tricky to do right. Usually audiences don't go to the movies to be reminded of how much the world sucks. We already know that. We go to the movies to escape and be entertained for a few hours so we can get away from the horrors of the real world. However, because of the power of stories and the influential magic that movies have, film is often the best way, and sometimes the only way, to inform people of specific issues hurting our world. So the best way to address real world problems in movies is to present it in a way that is still entertaining and rewarding. One example of this phenomena is Sylvester Stallone's movie "Rambo", (the fourth movie from 2008). Sly made that movie for the purpose of raising attention to the conflict in Burma. He used his prestige and Rambo fame to make a movie that was still entertaining in its own way while informing the audience of a real horror that isn't really talked about anywhere else. Furthermore, the best message from a film is the one that speaks for itself and comes out of the story naturally rather than anything that can be preached.

The reason I bring this up is because this wonderful movie, "Wind River", is a mystery thriller that also deals with and also raises awareness of the horrible plight upon Native Americans. This can be a a very difficult tight rope to cross, mainly because the relationship between Cinema and Native Americans been...uncomfortable to put it mildly. The sad fact is that a lot of the horrors that Native Americans face every day are willingly ignored by the press and constantly overlooked by the authorities. Therefore, at least in my opinion, filmmakers should take it upon themselves to use their talent and craft to tell these untold stories and, in doing so, raise awareness and encourage action. With that, I am happy to report that "Wind River" does exactly that. It is a film that delivers an entertaining story and a much needed slap in the face.

The story takes place in and around the Wind River Indian Reservation located in Wyoming. Our hero is a predator hunter & game tracker named Cory, (played by Jeremy Renner), who discovers the body of a young Indian girl, who happened to be the daughter of his best friend. After calling the FBI, they send in one young agent named Jane, (played by Elizabeth Olsen), who is not only severely underprepared, but is also way out of her depth. Despite the odds, and being a fish out of water, Jane takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. Cory agrees to help her, mostly because of his familiarity with the land and life in it, but also because he had lost his own daughter under equally mysterious circumstances, and wants a shot at closure for both himself and his friend.

Cory is married to an Indian woman, so his character is directly connected to the Indians struggles in the film. Which I suspect serves and a writer proxy. This film was written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, who previously wrote the academy award nominated films "Sicario" and "Hell or High Water". Both are films that share a similar desire to entertain and inform about harsh realities, and both deliver everything with ease. This man is proving himself to be truly talented storyteller as well as a clever commentator. He is literally the main reason I was even interested in "Wind River" and I am glad to say that my fan loyalty has paid off.

The film as a whole is very solid with great performance by the whole cast, including Graham Greene as the Reservation Police Chief, beautiful yet eerie imagery, and a musical score that is both graceful and haunting. There is one piece of music in particular that incorporates chilling vocals that almost play in sync with the wind. It creates an effect that is both intreating and terrifying at the same time. Almost like the wind is the cry of ghosts past.

Everyones acting, especially the two leads, is strong and shows great range. There is a great deal of emotional energy throughout the film and the whole cast delivers it in spades. Elizabeth Olson in particular gets the opportunity to showcase her surprisingly commanding presence on screen. Not at all surprising since this is the same young woman who held the entire "Silent House" remake on her shoulders with conviction. For those of you who don't know that was a horror film shot in one long take and the camera almost never left her sight. She WAS that film.

Now, the obvious complaint that a lot of people will have about this film, understandably so, will be that it is yet another film about Native American struggles written and directed by a white man, starring predominately white people, and has the possibility of paining the Native American characters in a negative light as Hollywood has done...pretty much since the dawn of Cinema. However, I am happy to report that, while it is true that this film was written and directed by a white man, said white man is not a STUIPD white man. Taylor Sheridan has written all of the Native American characters with the humanity they deserve, any Native American character that could be seen as bad are just those who have turned to drugs to escape their plight the Reservation, (an unfortunate and common thing for the young to do in dire circumstances such as this), and no white character ever WHITE-SPLAINS anything to any other character.

Taylor Sheridan has spoken out about the horrible and ignored situation fallen upon Native Americans. Furthermore, he is speaking from experience. He grew up in and around people who live in Reservations not unlike Wind River and has first hand experience to their suffering. He has taken it upon himself as a sympathetic artist to raise more awareness to their situation and demand that justice be served.

"Wind River" is a film that raises awareness to a very tough situation in our own country and does so in a way that is not preachy and still entertaining in its own way. Furthermore, without spoiling anything, the film has an ending that is not necessarily happy, but I will say that it is satisfyingly cathartic. Also, I must warn my wonderful readers of the potential triggers the film has, as it does feature a scene of sexual assault and violence towards women.

Highly recommended. Please go see this film IMMEDIATELY.

Ladies & Gentleman, I am TheNorm, telling you when Hollywood gets things wrong, and when they get things right. Thank you all for reading.