Montana Story is a dramatic tale about two estranged siblings that reconcile their differences caused by an abusive dad in Big Sky Country. The director creates intermittent lulls for the audience, who are treated to beautiful scenes. Some of the scenic backdrops to heavy themes are found in Montana’s snow-capped mountains, inclement weather and Native Americans. A notable fault exists with regards to a subordinate character who serves as a plot device for simple exposition. Rather than dodge around their biggest issues, there would be more success in making Montana Story more impactful.
Owen Teague stars as Cal, a stoic young man who comes back to his family’s ranch in Montana for a sad responsibility. At home their sick father is almost brain-dead and being looked after by hospice care. Ace (Gilbert Owuor), a Kenyan nurse has been hired to aid nurse death along in its journey. Valentina (Kimberly Guerrero), an old long-term rancher employee and her son, Joey (Asivak Koostachin) would assist as much as they could manage. The bank has foreclosed on the ranch which needs selling so that medical bills and debt can be paid.
Haley Lu Richardson co-stars as Erin, Cal’s fiery older sister who disappeared seven years ago. Cal is taken aback when he sees his beloved sister again since he thought she was gone forever. Angry Erin wants to see her hated dad “one last time” before he dies out of bitterness? Cal is devastated at this possibility since Mr.T, his family’s cherished twenty-five year old horse will soon have to be put down? As such Erin takes Mr.T back home with her upstate New York? In essence they must confront the terrible violent incidents that split them up.
Montana Story is told very realistically in a quiet way. Surgical masks were required by Ace anytime anyone wanted into their father’s room .For instance, Cal is tasked with such things as selling his dead mother’s car to raise money. Among other things the ranch has terrible cell phone reception and Erin is annoyed by this. She has to stand by the outside gate so that she can make her calls. Joey laments that his mom is out of work. These are average people living through deaths hovering over them in their daily lives which have become mundane. There are no escapes for grieving.
Erin and Cal’s relationship propels the story. The whole movie refuses to clearly state what happened until near the end of its first act . Something awful occurred, Erin ran away and ever since then Cal has been consumed by guilt ?. Ace becomes a friendly ear for Cal to confess to?. He tells Ace why Erin had to leave in so many words ?. I found it too easy an option hence my liking this scene?. This results into one of those characters who only exist for viewers to get vital information from? Consequently, film loses a major conflict during rising action because we have Ace’s character?. Both Richardson and Teague were excellent in this movie, but their confrontation happens as an emotional crescendo?. Little steps could have been taken before reaching here.
Montana Story presents lavish beauty on screen.? This film would be useful as a promotional guide for Montana tourism office. It sits within lovely mountains surrounding a valley where the ranch is located.?Mr.T eventually comes back upstate New York with Erin riding him during their trek across Wyoming.? As Cal plucks at his mandolin with vacant eyes staring far off into space, they show each other how much they regret whatever transpired between them.? It was sad that family and nature suffered such tragic loss when the ranch was sold off.
The film’s periods of inertia are darting back enough to maintain your interest. Owen Teague’s star (Netflix’s Bloodline, CBS All Access’ The Stand) remains on the ascendant. I also appreciated that the Native characters were necessary and plausible. Montana Story is a neo-western with heart.
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