Taylor Sheridan both wrote and directed this film. He's still kind of new to directing but his writing style and signature intensity is distinct after penning Sicario and Hell or High Water. The plot is not too complicated, which allows for more character development. Jeremy Renner's character is richly developed and I think Renner is perfectly cast. You really get the sense that he could be a real person. Elizabeth Olsen is also good but I somehow get the feeling that the role was meant for Sicario actress Emily Blunt. The story unfolds methodically, slowly revealing background details that are constantly hinted at. They are revealed in a way that fits in the narrative and impacts the characters' relationships.
The look of the film is snow everywhere. The harsh cold is really visceral. You really come to understand the misery that is life on the reservation. You feel trapped in the silence and nothingness like they do. It faces some of the challenges the tribes face on the reservation--drugs, missing persons, and lack of resources. There are some strange shots that appear to have someone lurking behind or around the corner. You expect a thrilling surprise but it never comes. It's a bit of misdirection by the director. In fact, there are a lot of things that are left open ended. We never find out what happened to Cory's daughter. Cory doesn't kill the lions. And Cory and Jane do not get together.
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