Together with the previously released _Sicario_ and _Hell or High Water_, _Wind River_ forms the so-called 'American Frontier'-trilogy by screenwriter Taylor Sheridan. The common denominator are the scenarios for these three films. Sheridan sketches an uncompromising picture of contemporary America, where issues such as poverty, violence and a staggering government system are the order of the day. Again delivering a blood-curdling crime thriller.

The crime scene is the Wind River Indian Reservation in the American state of Wyoming, an inhospitable area characterized by silence and especially a great amount of snow. [spoiler] During a tour through this environment, game hunter Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) finds the lifeless body of a young Native-American girl, kilometers away from the civilized world. What was striking is that the girl didn't wear shoes and coughed up a lot of blood just before her death. Suspicious circumstances, so let's call in the FBI. That help comes in the form of inexperienced FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) who classifies the dismal scene as a murder. Together with Cory Lambert she decides to open the manhunt on the perpetrators. Although she starts the (murder) investigation with good intentions, she does not seem to fully realize what kind of world she has come to. Luckily there's always a grounded local character nearby, reminding her, "In Wind River, you're on your own." [/spoiler]

And with that, there's no harsher moment of truth. The authorities hardly pay attention to the atrocities taking place in this corner of the United States, which means that every victim will only play for their own judge. For a thrilling like Wind River, that's nothing more than a starting point, somewhere very unpleasant, because shortly before the movie ends. We get a message about the harsh reality this movie is based on, which doesn't leave any doubt: To this day, indigenous American girls are not registered by the government _if_ missing. That horrific notice provides Sheridan's film with unexpected urgency and social relevance.

Even without the interference of that raw reality, Wind River is an excellent film, that rises far above average. Mainly due to the sensationally good work on paper. Althought the film is an original work of Sheridan, you often get the feeling you're watching the filming of a literary novel. Constant is the psychological depth, not the effect of a complicated murder plot. In addition, the characters are not walking clichés, but people of flesh and blood, who struggle with the complex emotions about issues such as debt and loss.

Moreover, the dark and poetic tone of the dialogues fits perfectly with the images of the wild snow landscape. Just like in the western classics of yesteryear, the melancholy of times gone by is omnipresent. Yet there is a glimmer of hope between now and then. In a similar way as in _Hell or High Water_, sudden violent outbursts alternate nicely with dry comical moments, withouth the seriousness of the situation being violated.

Perhaps the greatest achievement is that Wind River manages to sell an emotional boost within the limited playing time of hundred-and-seven minutes. Sheridan makes it plausible that the murder investigation has a devastating impact on the live of the sleuths. Nevertheless, his film does not feel hurried or sentimental. It's as if an entire season of _True Detective_ got put in a compressor, after which only the strong moments have been preserved. Add that to the fantastic casting of Gil Birmingham, Jeremy Renner (in perhaps his best role so far) and Elizabeth Olsen, and you have a crime thriller that will see you return to many top ten lists of film and genre lovers.

**8.5/10**

“Wind River” opens with a bang — literally. The first scene, a guaranteed tough watch for animal lovers, introduces us to Fish & Wildlife agent Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner). Cory is performing the lone sniper-like duties of his job, picking off a pack of livestock-hungry wolves one by one with his high-powered rifle. It sets the tone for the rest of the film, a story of savagery, loneliness, and slow burning pursuit.

When Cory discovers the dead body of a local native American teenage deep in the rugged Wyoming wilderness, the FBI calls up rookie agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) to lead the investigation simply because she’s close to the area. The pair work together with local law enforcement to track down clues in an attempt to solve the mystery of the potential homicide. This is a deliberately paced thriller, with clues slowly unfolding to reveal the completed puzzle. The entire story feels a bit like an extended episode of “True Detective,” especially when the film insists on following a straightforward crime drama formula and timeline. But for nearly every piece that’s solved, there’s a sudden outbreak of bloody violence.

Fans of writer / director Taylor Sheridan will quickly note the very similar themes (and even scenes) from his earlier work. This is a clear celebration of rugged masculinity in our hero as well as a savage tale of violence among men. As with his other screenplays, this one is beautifully and authentically written, a story of uncompromising brutality and human insight. The dialogue is heartfelt and genuine; when a father learns his daughter has been raped and has died, he just asks to “sit here and miss her for a minute.” Anyone who has ever had to deal with unforeseen grief can relate.

These are fully developed characters that are naturally (and simply) written, which means it’s up to the audience to fill in many of the blanks as to their motivations, desires and back story. This is a major part of what works about this film; these characters are not completely spelled out, making them all the more human. (It’s also partly what fails in the story too: there are several bothersome plot details that are overlooked and ignored altogether, like a possible connection between the similar deaths of two teenage girls several years apart).

Sheridan is also behind the camera on this feature, and he has a particularly good eye for choreographed tension and violent action sequences. He’s also skilled at picking a talented crew that compliments his material in both the content and setting. The film’s appropriately somber, ominous score (by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis) is absolute perfection. The main bloody shootout scene and the snowy, desolate setting is gorgeously photographed by Ben Richardson.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t a few directorial choices that will divide audiences (such as a major flashback scene where we are shown the factual events in a bloody, disturbing, unflinching look at the crime, including a graphic rape).

But this is more than just a competent directorial debut for Sheridan. While it’s not as well directed as the films he simply wrote (“Sicario,” “Hell or High Water”) and it’s certainly not as commercially accessible to the average moviegoing public, it’s impressive nonetheless.

I reckon that this is my favourite performance from a really well cast Jeremy Renner. He is an animal hunter who is shocked when he discovers the corpse of the daughter of one of his oldest friends. She has been brutally raped and murdered in their pristine snowy wilderness. The crime - on a Wyoming native American reservation pits local and state law officers against one another, but fortunately FBI agent "Jane" (Elisabeth Olsen) is soon on hand and so they team up with each other for what turns out to be quite a perilous investigation with not only the criminal to track down, but with a local community rife with mistrust and brutality not necessarily on their side either. As the mystery gradually unfolds before us, we are treated to some beautiful snowscape cinematography and to some well delivered efforts from Renner, Olsen, the legendary Graham Greene and some solid contributions from a supporting cast of largely indigenous acting talent. The story is a bit on the bleak side, there is little here for us by way of a let up in the relentless nastiness of the plot, but it is rarely dull and certainly worth a watch if you want something that will keep your brain engaged as well as your eyes.

Wind River is a gripping crime drama that captivates its audience with its stunning cinematography and powerful performances. Set in the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Wyoming, the film tells the story of a young woman's brutal murder and the unlikely team of a tracker and an FBI agent who come together to solve the case.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The plot is at times far-fetched, with some details feeling contrived and hard to believe. The climax, which features an overdramatized shoot out, felt out of place and took away from the film's realistic tone.

Additionally, there is a strange and unsettling scene in which the victim's mother self-harms herself in a way that feels unnecessary and out of place. While the scene may be meant to emphasize the mother's grief and trauma, it comes across as gratuitous and uncomfortable to watch.

Despite these flaws, the film's incredible cast, led by Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, deliver powerful and nuanced performances. Their chemistry on screen is palpable, and their interactions are often filled with tension and heart.

Furthermore, the direction by Taylor Sheridan is masterful, with his unique vision of the American West driving the plot and setting the tone. Wind River is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that, while flawed in places, is still highly recommended for fans of crime dramas and powerful storytelling.

Score: 87%
Verdict: Excellent

The icy tundra of Wind River is an oppressive backdrop for this vicious crime thriller, with tones of Western.

_Final rating:★★★½ - I really liked it. Would strongly recommend you give it your time._