REVIEW: Wind River is a Gripping Thriller

Taylor Sheridan’s directorial debut film, Wind River is a gripping thriller on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The film opens with a young Native American girl running for her life through the snowy terrain. She is found dead the next day by Wildlife officer, Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner), but because she was killed on the reservation the case falls into the hands of the FBI. FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is called in from Las Vegas to help lead the investigation.

Jeremy Renner shines as the stoic Cory Lambert. Renner’s ability to bring humor to lines that likely weren’t meant to be funny shows in this film. With so much darkness surrounding the story, it was nice to be able to laugh every now and then. Elizabeth does a nice job as Rookie Agent Banner. Her character lacks the depth that is found in Renner’s character, but she does a great job with what she was given. It was also fun to see her and Renner working together in roles that aren’t their Avengers characters.

Wind River is jumpy in places and the story could have been stronger, but Sheridan’s first time as director receives a passing grade. The intensity of certain scenes will have you on the edge of your seat but the overall lack of depth to the story will keep you from becoming fully immersed. A connection isn’t found with some of the characters and others seem to appear as faceless plot pieces.

Wind River is an entertaining, but slightly lackluster film. The final few moments are especially interesting and it is the perfect film to catch as a matinee on a rainy day. Or you might just want to wait to see it when it comes out on On Demand.

Grade: B