First Cow [Includes Digital Copy] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2020]

First Cow is many things - but first and foremost it is a work of art in a visual medium. It uses visuals, sound, performances and all the tools of the medium on its canvas, and it does it very well. It makes you think, it makes you reflect and it stays with you long after the end credits finish their roll. The story is simple. It is how we see ourselves in the story where the genius of this film comes to light. We all would want a partner in life to build life around, so we can relate to things. Many are romanticized by the notion of the quintessential "American dream" which recommends squeezing every last drop out of every opportunity to incur success and wealth. We can relate to the main characters' journey in this way. Heck, even the titular cow gets to be a metaphor in that sometimes we are so alone and sad due to loss that we get involved with others who don't have our own best interests at heart. But mostly what makes this film so magical is it leaves its world up to your own imagination through it's subtlety and suggestion. It rarely provides more than hints at context, with large skips in narrative flow that could be disastrous in other films. If First Cow was a Marvel Movie than we could expect "fill in" shows on Disney Plus for 90% of what we see. As it is, how wonderful is it for a film to challenge its audience to "fill in the blanks" with how you want to complete the world it introduces you to. It is best to experience this film with little preconceived notions other than to be prepared to think and think some more about this western parable about american capitalism and the socio-philosophical and economic aspects of the american west. ALl in a movie about pilfered milk and biscuts. Quite the accomplishment! First Cow is a masterpiece and largely deserving of its "one of the best movies of 2019" accolades. That said, if you like quick humor, quick cuts, big sweeping orchestral scores or action and chases and gunfights...this movie is not for you. The titular cow (played by a bovine named Evie) does not have any action scenes and isn't really even a main character. Oh, and if you like endings where everything is neatly wrapped up...you won't be satisfied. The ending is left open, although the fates of the characters are hinted at (you'll need to remember the opening scene of the film to better understand the ending) and - just like the rest of the film - can be left open to interpretation. Any movie fan should watch First Cow and anyone who has more than a passing interest in the American Western genre should get a copy of this film right now. It's that good!

It started out very well about two travellers, on the run from a band of vengeful hunters in the 1820s Northwest, dream of striking it rich -- but their tenuous plan to make their fortune on the frontier comes to rely on the secret use of a landowner's prized dairy cow. When it got to the end of the movie I finally figured it out. Love movies like that. The acting was superb!!

No spoilers here. Not your typical movie, at first I thought I was not going to enjoy it but then halfway through it got very interesting, I stayed till the end. You won’t be disappointed.

I really liked this movie and appreciated it's slow pace. It's beautiful, filled with great characters and great little character moments. I can't recommend it enough. The only con is that the blu ray has one extra and no directors commentary. Still, it's worth your time.

Strange but good ! It starts and puts you in a frame of mind that has little if anything to do with the title but as you watch everything comes together in the end.

A very different flick but very well done with excellent acting and script writing , nice camera work too. Good sound track and surprise ending .

I didn't think I'd love this as much as I do. It's fascinating and beautifully made.

Most people won't dig this film but I am a huge fan of Kelly Reichardt and this is definitely a must see if you are a fan of her work.