Taylor Sheridan’s “Wind River” is a murder myster The Forgotten Crisis: “Wind River” Sheds Light on the Disappearance of Native American Women y that unravels the complex issues plaguing a Native American reservation. The film features a wildlife officer, Cory Lambert, and FBI agent, Jane Banner, as they team up to solve the murder of a young Native American woman, Natalie Hanson. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a dark reality that has been largely ignored – the crisis of missing Indigenous women.
Sheridan’s film masterfully weaves a neo-noir mystery with real crime statistics, highlighting the bleak reality of a crisis that has received little attention. The film’s protagonist, Lambert, is haunted by a tragedy in his past, which makes his personal stake in solving Natalie’s murder even more compelling. His shared grief with the victim’s father, Martin, adds an emotional depth to the story.
As Lambert and Jane investigate the murder, they discover the rotting corpse of Natalie’s older boyfriend, Matt. Although Matt may not have been responsible for Natalie’s murder, Lambert and Jane are forced to confront Matt’s friends, including his creepy co-worker, Pete. In a tense standoff, the two investigators are forced to defend themselves using lethal force.
In a haunting flashback sequence, the film reveals the details surrounding Natalie’s death. She had returned to Matt’s trailer after an argument, only to be raped and murdered by Matt’s colleagues. In a cruel twist, Natalie attempted to flee into the wilderness, where she eventually froze to death.
A Still From Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River (Via IMDB)
The film’s climax features a violent confrontation between Lambert, Jane, and Matt’s coworkers. In the end, Lambert ruthlessly takes out the remaining goons, saving Jane at the last minute. Pete, the last surviving co-worker, is left begging for his life. Lambert, however, shows no mercy, forcing Pete to survive in the cold, just as Natalie had.
The film concludes with a haunting final scene, showing Lambert and Martin grieving together. While they may have found justice for Natalie, it’s a small consolation for the pain they carry. The film’s final title card highlights the crisis of missing Native American women, which has received little attention from authorities. The true-life statistics are staggering, with Native American women being the only demographic not kept in official records.
“Wind River” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that not only presents a compelling mystery but also sheds light on the ongoing crisis of missing Native American women. It’s a necessary watch for both Sheridan fans and detractors, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complexities surrounding Native American reservations.
