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A man stands in the woods, leading a brown cow. Another figure is in the background, out of focus.

First Cow

  Kelly Reichardt

  U.S.     122 minutes

Synopsis

Kelly Reichardt trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune. Soon, the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and her ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America.

  

 English 

Screenings & Events

Screening

Thu, Oct 23 @ 5:00pm

at AMC NEWCITY 14, Screen 06
Venue information...

Scheduled to Attend:
Director Kelly Reichardt
Accessibility options for this screening:
  • Closed Captions
  • Assistive Listening Devices available
  • Audio Description
Learn about accessibility options...

Media

Film Credits

  •   Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani
  •   Kelly Reichardt, Jon Raymond
  •   Kelly Reichardt
  •   Christopher Blauvelt
  •   John Magaro, Orion Lee, Toby Jones, Ewen Bremner
  •   William Tyler
  •   Scott Rudin, Eli Bush, Louise Lovegrove, Christopher Carroll
  •   2019

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