Wind River

(spoiler free)

Whilst Taylor Sheridan is possibly not a name you’re familiar with in terms of directing, if you’re a film fan you’ll have surely encountered his work before. It’s his writing that has brought Sheridan much fame, being able to put his name against the screenplays for the critically acclaimed ‘Sicario’ & ‘Hell or High Water’. While ‘Wind River’ isn’t his directorial debut it feels like a progressive step for Sheridan and it’s the first time he has directed his own screenplay.

‘Avengers’ co-stars Jeremy Renner & Elizabeth Olsen play U.S. Fish and Wildlife agent Cory Lambert & FBI agent Jane Banner respectively. They have to team up in order to solve a homicide case on the Wind River Indian Reservation located in Wyoming. Both leading performers do an outstanding job of portraying their characters resulting in some of their career finest work. I was particularly impressed by Renner who commanded the screen in a way I hadn’t seen him do in the same way previously. He channels the necessary emotion required of his character with such an authenticity delivering several powerful moments. Olsen works fantastically alongside him and she’s essential for the dramatic chemistry that the pair have. The supporting cast all do commendable jobs in their roles too but it’s the two central characters who tell most of the story, and very effectively so.

These brilliant performances of course wouldn’t have been possible without the careful construction of the characters by Sheridan in his screenplay. His writing is as strong as it’s ever been here evoking drama, tension and emotion all coexisting effortlessly. The narrative is told well and it’s constantly engaging with several standout sequences. However at times the true nature of this story brings into question the ethics of the film itself. Although, whilst the film is very dark and sombre the telling of it does highlight a lot of good in people and brings to light some shocking truths which need to be heard. This in itself shows the calibre of Sheridan’s writing. His direction deserves much praise too though with many of the technical achievements working to great success. 

If you’ve enjoyed Sheridan’s previous writing ‘Wind River’ should similarly please you. It’s wonderful to witness Sheridan direct his own writing and the film is all the more rich for it. Renner & Olsen guide the film brilliantly with their confident performances which make this often bleak story so watchable. Furthermore, the screenplay continuously engages audiences through horror, suspense, emotion and drama which was pivotal in making this film a success.

Rating – 8/10

Question: Which of Taylor Sheridan’s three screenplays is your favourite?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)

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