Cow

Synopsis

Following on the hooves of other celebrated animal docs (Gunda, My Octopus Teacher, Kedi), Oscar-winning director Andrea Arnold (American Honey, Fish Tank), in her auspicious nonfiction debut, offers this wholly original and fascinating observational portrait of a cow named Luma and her brethren. Shot over four years on an English farm, the film patiently observes Luma as she gives birth, pumps milk, and remains protective of her calves around her caretakers. But as the film goes on, Cow gradually takes on deeper and darker layers, empathically bringing the viewer closer to the bovine experience and humankind’s cruel (or is just practical?) dominance over the species.