First Cow (2019)

Anyone else tear up a bit at the banjo-backed scene of Cookie’s first glimpse of the cow through the trees? It’s that kind of film: so delicate and thoughtful in its cinematography, score, and edit that every detail of its earthy (pacific north)western setting and uniquely organic central relationship is infused with a powerful, patient beauty–except of course when both are threatened by cold colonialism. In hindsight, the prologue provides the perfect bittersweet commentary on this dynamic.

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