First Cow

First Cow is a striking, atmospheric period drama with a Western twist, directed by the critically-acclaimed Kelly Reichardt. Released in 2019, this independent film stars an ensemble cast led by John Magaro, Orion Lee, with Alia Shawkat appearing in a supporting role, and an iconic bovine performer that plays the eponymous "First Cow."

The film is set in the wilderness of Oregon during the 19th century, among fur trappers, native indigenous tribes, and the struggling settlement of American pioneers. The central narrative follows the unconventional friendship and the singular entrepreneurial scheme of two men who dwell on the edges of society, Cookie and King-Lu.

John Magaro imbues life into the character of Otis 'Cookie' Figowitz, a meek and tender-hearted cook who has traveled west with a group of rough and heedless fur trappers. Cookie is an embodiment of compassion and sensitivity, a stark contrast to the harsh and predatory milieu of frontier life. His understanding and connection with nature and the warmth that he extends to every creature make him distinct and instantly likable.

Orion Lee brilliantly portrays the charismatic and cunning Chinese immigrant, King-Lu, with who Cookie forms an unlikely friendship. King-Lu is sharp, resourceful, and filled with a vision of prosperity, marking him as well ahead of his time. His chance encounter with Cookie opens up a unique bond, fostered in an era where such connections were unheard of.

In a supporting role, Alia Shawkat adds depth to the narrative with her portrayal of an unnamed woman. Although her screen time is limited, she leaves a memorable impression with her authentic performance.

The unforgiving but mesmerizing landscape of Oregon plays an indispensable role in the film. Throughout the film, the backdrop of towering pine trees and the Snake River, ornately captured by the lens of cinematographer Christopher Blauvelt, give the film an ethereal aesthetic and an emotionally charged atmosphere that stand testament to the thematic depth.

The heart of First Cow lies in the unique enterprise undertaken by Cookie and King-Lu, involving the titular 'First Cow' brought into the territory by a pompous wealthy English settler. This cow becomes a symbol of the wealth and social-economic divide in the nascent community, mixed with a hint of cultural superiority.

The men risk everything for their clandestine night-time milking operations, entering a dangerous endeavor that balances on the edge of theft. Their enterprise of baking and selling 'oily cakes,' a delicacy unheard of in the area, soon becomes a hot trend, attracting curiosity, delight, and suspicion. The cakes become a culinary sensation that opens the door to prosperity, offering a glimpse of the American dream amidst the otherwise harsh and uncertain frontier life.

Through this premise, Reichardt not only adds a refreshing take on the American Western trope but also subtly critiques capitalism, the class divide, and the very notion of the American dream. The narrative is slow and intimate, inviting the audience to ponder upon the shared human experiences of friendship, ambition, risk, and survival.

The movie's charm lies in its simplicity and quiet grandeur, echoing in the serene ambiance of the wilderness, the subtle humor, and the culinary joy depicted in Cookie's cake creation. It revels in the subtle nuances of everyday life, painting a vivid picture of pioneer life filled with struggles and simple pleasures.

While the Robber Baron stereotype gets a realistic treatment through the English settler, it is the titular "First Cow," calmly chewing cud in the midst of human drama, that elevates the movie to another level. With the cow becoming the unintentional harbinger of both hope and conflict, Reichardt delivers a film that resonates with a unique blend of tranquility and tension, beauty and despair, success and uncertainty.

First Cow is, in essence, a tale of bonding, enterprise, and survival, acting as a metaphor for early American capitalism wrapped in the delicately woven fabric of friendship and ambition. It is contemplative, poignant, and beautiful, packed with mesmerizing performances, picturesque visuals, and a simple-yet-powerful storyline that etches it into the cinematic memories of the audience.