First Cow (2020) Review

Title: First Cow
Year: 2020
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Country: US
Language: English

A great double feature with Meek's Cutoff (2010), Kelly Reichardt's First Cow comes off as an anti-masculine anti-western. Some reviewers, like Armond White at National Review, are horrified by this fact; "Reichardt’s woebegone heroes can only interest the pop generation that fully bought into the idea of American heterosexual wickedness". I however, have found myself a new role model in American Cinema. Reichardt is exceptional both professionally and personally. 

A skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune. Soon the two collaborate on a successful business.

Exceptionally well written, First Cow reminds me of a great John Steinbeck (Grapes of Wrath) novel. Both Steinbeck & Reichardt have bittersweet works that focus on characters who strive for a better life during difficult times in American History. Cookie & the immigrant remind me of Lennie and George from Of Mice and Men. They are two more feminine male characters, who have to navigate the uneasy waters of a world steeped in toxic masculinity. 

Reichardt's cinematographer, Christopher Blauvelt, shoots mainly in natural light, capturing  the green, muddy, thriving, and idyllic surroundings with grace. Their shots hold longer than most film-makers would allow today, giving us a great sense of immersion into this Americana setting. Reichardt's pace may be too slow for some viewers, but I love her deliberate observing touch. We go slowly through each scene, absorbing its atmosphere. 

Deviating from traditional Western Tropes, First Cow examines the folly of a so-called "Manifest Destiny" and dissects the corruptive impulses of Mankind. Man (specifically white man) and not nature is the foreboding beast in this picture. I am quite impressed; give Reichardt all the awards already!