Synopsis:
A taciturn loner and skilled cook has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant 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.
I think there’s only a handful of stories that a vast majority of us truly relate to; stories of friendship being one of them. The popular versions tend to be stories of friends overcoming differences or some kind of adventure but rarely do we see the raw beginnings of true friendship. Based on Jonathan Raymond’s novel The Half Life, First Cow is refreshing and authentic in its delivery and the onscreen bond that is formed is beautiful to behold. The relationship is unselfish, collaborative, and honest. Two men from very different cultures build a business and a forever friendship. It’s the type of friendship that makes you take an introspective look at your own relationships. Initially, we are presented with a very ominous scene that fades in perfectly to the main story with the original scene being revisited later in a satisfying way. We see the gritty and unpolished life on the frontier aesthetic that is dark and stunning to look at; it somewhat resembles The Revenant.
Also, the simplistic and rough life of fur trappers and the early stages of trade and commerce as milk becomes gold in a dry region. While the visuals were dark, the tone of the film is as calm as sitting on the porch during a stary night sipping whiskey. And just like too much of your single malt beverage, this film can make your eyes heavy. At times, it’s as boring as it is astonishing. The film definitely could be shortened but I believe the length adds to experiencing a life that we never had to live. We want excitement all the time but that’s not what this story is about. Sometimes there’s beauty in the mundane. With its wonderful production design, perfect score, and story breakdown, the only downside is its uneventful climactic events. While it wraps up nicely, the lack of drama left me wanting. Additionally, afterward, you will want to make your own oily cakes. Overall, I enjoyed First Cow but my guest fell asleep. Therefore, this film may not be for everyone.
Plot & Pace
Have you ever thrown something sticky at a wall and waited for it to slowly fall off? That’s the pacing of this film. While it’s a beautiful story, the build feels like an eternity and leads only to anticlimactic events. The story follows a compassionate gentle cook named Cookie who is traveling with fur trappers in Oregon during the 19th century. While searching for food to cook, he stumbles across a naked man that is being hunted by men who want him dead. After taking the man in, Cookie and he build an unselfish bond and chase the American Dream before there was one. After a cow is brought to the region and owned by a wealthy landowner, the two formulate a plan to use the animal to their advantage in order to move on to a better place. Things take a turn for the worse as the duo that is building a business and life together are separated, hurt, and now hunted.
Characters & Chemistry
Cookie (John Magaro) and King Lu (Orion Lee) were so great together. Not only did the friendship feel real but they seem to complete each other. Each made up for what the other lacked. King is an idea man, a mover and shaker who isn’t afraid to take risks. Cookie is what makes the ideas work. He posses the skill and care that results in success. The level of respect and love the two have for each other is inspiring. The rest of the cast adds texture to the story but mainly towards the end of the film. In particular, Cheif Factor (Toby Jones) who enters the story and adds what little drama the story has.
First Cow released in select theaters on March 6th and was widening its release each week. With Covid-19 being what it is, it’s availability is TBD.
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Writer: Jonathan Raymond
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 2m
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
