'First Cow' A Review

First Cow is a western from writer/director Kelly Reichardt about a cook Cookie(John Magaro) who travels with trappers in the Oregon territories. He becomes friends with Chinese immigrant King Lu(Orion Lee) and the two begin a baking business with the milk stolen from a wealthy landowners cow.

Magaro and Lee have a low-key electric chemistry, a comfortable but powerful connection that lights up the screen. Magaro is the more reserved, the more emotional, distinctly out of place in the frontier with a passion for the creativity of baking. Lee is more at ease, contented, and warm but also the more ambitious and adventurous. Over the course of the sedate story the two's friendship blossoms in the most moving, organic, and quiet ways. Although early in the cinematic year the two put in performances in contention for best of the year. The supporting cast are also remarkably authentic, patient, and quiet dynamic.

Visually the film is stunningly transportive without being showy, shot in 4:3 aspect ration that enhances the feeling of both reality and magic. The score is also masterful and all the production elements weave and elevate an already powerful narrative and superb performances.

Reichardt is a master of tone and restraint without skimping on extraordinary humanity. There's a stillness about the film, a silence, but also an incredible intimacy and sense of exuberance. A one of a kind film that is essential viewing for these uncertain times.

Don't Miss It.