Wind River

 

Wind River is a modern day Western crime film that explores the harsh realities of life on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming. The film, written and directed by Taylor Sheridan and stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agent who finds the body of an 18-year-old woman on the reservation. He teams up with FBI agent Jane Banner, played by Elizabeth Olsen, to investigate the murder and uncover the dark secrets behind it.

The film is a powerful and poignant story that raises awareness about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a crisis that affects many Indigenous communities across North America. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and injustice that these women face, as well as the impact on their families and communities. The film also depicts the themes of grief, redemption, and justice, as the characters struggle to cope with their own traumas and seek closure.

However, the film is not without its flaws. One of my main criticisms is that it perpetuates the white savior trope, where a white protagonist comes to the rescue of a marginalized group. Renner's character is portrayed as a hero who knows more about the reservation than the locals. He also takes charge of the investigation while Olsen's character, the criminal justice expert, is often sidelined or helpless. Additionally, the film fails to address the systemic and historical factors that contribute to the MMIWG crisis, such as colonialism, racism, poverty, and lack of resources. The film could have also done more to highlight the efforts and initiatives that are being taken by Indigenous activists and organizations to combat this issue and support the survivors and victims’ families.

Another flaw is that the film does not give enough depth and background to some of the supporting characters, especially Olsen's and Gil Birmingham's, who plays Martin Hanson, the father of the murdered woman. Their motivations and emotions are not fully explored or developed, which makes them harder to connect to. The film focuses more on Renner's character, who is shown to have a strong bond to the reservation and a personal stake in the case. He delivered a solid performance as a grieving father and a skilled hunter, who showed compassion and respect for the Shoshone tribe that he lives amongst.

In the end, Wind River is a well-written and directed film that offers a gripping and emotional story with an important message. It was one of the most successful indie films of 2017, earning critical acclaim and box office success. However, it also had some shortcomings that limit its potential to be a truly authentic and empowering representation of the Indigenous American experience. The film is set to have a sequel with an Indigenous-centered lead, which could provide a more nuanced and balanced perspective on the complexities of life on the reservation.