Netflix resurfaces a peak Taylor Sheridan film, warranting discussion on its most gripping sequence
In the chilling landscape of Wind River, a movie written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, audiences are drawn into a gritty thriller that has been rising through the ranks of the Netflix Top 10.
The film, which stars Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner, also features Graham Greene. The plot revolves around the investigation of the murder of a young Native American woman, Natalie Hanson, played by Kelsey Asbille. A flashback in the movie shows the final hours of Natalie and her ill-fated boyfriend, Matt Rayburn, portrayed by Jon Bernthal.
The investigation leads to a standoff between police and an oilfield security team, a masterclass in rising tension. The standoff is patient, quiet, and thrilling, building suspense over several minutes, before erupting into a loud, explosive, and chaotic shootout sequence.
The shootout is an unforgettable and terrifying scene in the movie, resembling a scene from a Western. The brutality shown towards Natalie and Matt escalates the tension, making the sequence all the more impactful. Officer Ben Shoyo takes out several contractors before getting shot, while Jane, a character in the film, gets shot off the front step during the shootout.
As the standoff unfolds, it becomes clear that the security contractors are complicit in the murders. The standoff involves a terrifyingly extreme and unpredictable situation where everyone has drawn their guns while also having a gun pointed at them.
In a surprising twist, Agent Cory Lambert, played by Renner, takes out the remaining contractors with a high-power rifle, bringing the standoff to a close. The movie, which is currently available on Netflix, is near the top of CinemaBlend's best of 2017 list.
The flashback in Wind River, inserted in the middle of the standoff scene by Sheridan, provides a chilling insight into the lives of the victims and adds an extra layer of depth to the story. The movie is a must-watch for anyone looking for a tense, gripping thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
