Wind River

On the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, a government investigator arrives after a young woman is found dead in the snow. Jane Banner, an earnest FBI agent, teams with Cory Lambert, a seasoned game tracker who knows the land and its people. Together they pursue the truth through a world of cold weather, rough roads and wary locals who guard their own codes. The investigation forces them to confront the stark realities of survival, loss, and the legacies of violence that haunt the community. They cross tribal and federal lines, wrestling with jurisdiction and trust as they piece together a narrative that doesn't promise easy answers. The search tests courage and patience in equal measure.

Directed by Taylor Sheridan, Wind River marks his feature directing debut and relies on his original screenplay rather than adaptation. Released in 2017, the film features Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, with Gil Birmingham, Graham Greene, and Jon Bernthal in support.

Box office performance reflected its indie crime drama status, earning a modest worldwide gross. While not a blockbuster, Wind River found a solid audience and critical attention for its stark mood and the moral weight of its investigation.

Wind River resonates beyond its suspenseful surface by centering Indigenous communities and the real life issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The film sparked conversations about justice, representation, and the limits of federal and tribal authorities when tragedy strikes remote communities.

Critics praised the film for its austere atmosphere, grounded performances, and Sheridan's restrained storytelling. The central themes revolve around accountability and endurance under harsh conditions, where law enforcement collaboration becomes both necessary and fragile. The movie treats violence with gravity, avoiding sensationalism while presenting a humane portrayal of people trying to do right by each other despite overwhelming obstacles.