Let me first say I will watch anything with Jeremy Renner in it. And, in all honesty, he could just stand there, in the entire movie, and do nothing, and I would be happy. I am THAT big a fan. But, to say he outdid himself in the role, does not put to words just how good he was.
I had read reviews on the movie, and they were all really good ones. I don't think I saw but one that was not flattering, and in that review the reviewer nitpicked over everything from the location setting, to the pronunciation of names. I mean...really?
Wind River was an independent made film. This means none of the greasy executives in Hollywood, from the overly self important studios were involved. If you have ever watched an independent film you will see what a difference this non-interference makes. The storyline is just that...a storyline. This movie had no special effects, no really harsh language, and once the storyline gripped you it pulled you in and would not let you go. Those are the kind of films I like the most. Up until Wind River, my favorite independents had been What Maisie Knew and People Like Us. Both of these films are more than worthy of your time to hunt up and watch.
The story in Wind River is based around the discovery of a young Native American girls body, in the snow, on a section of the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming (and yes, this is an actual location, and actually exists). The scenery in this film, at points, will take your breath away and adds to the overall tone and sadness of the storyline.
Renner's character, an FWS hunter, while tracking a lion and her cubs, stumbles upon a young girls body, frozen in the snow, in the middle of nowhere. This leads to the FBI sending in a very young agent (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen), to investigate and determine a ruling on the cause of death. But, once the investigation starts, it turns out there is more involved than anyone even realized.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot, so I will just leave that there. Interwoven into the storyline of the young Native American girl, is the examination of Renner's character. You see into his life, and understand why he is so quick to jump in and help Olson's character hunt down the evidence, and eventually bring the case to an end.
This is not a fast moving, fly by the seat of your pants type of movie. If that is what you are looking for, I would suggest you look elsewhere. However, if you would like a very well thought out, very well filmed movie, with characters that are well written and fantastically portrayed---then this is the movie for you.
In one of the last scenes, before the end credits, the following is presented onscreen...a very sobering realization that hopefully this movie will help shed some light on.
"While missing persons statistics are compiled for every other demographic, none exist for Native American women. No one knows how many are missing."
I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars. I would give it more, but I set the upper end of my scale at 5 so 5 it is. I do encourage everyone to watch this movie. You will be glad you did.
Written by: Tracy Few
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