Review of Meek's Cutoff

Meek's Cutoff, the 2011 Western by Kelly Reichardt, is a film all about chances. What will chances bring? What chance are you willing to take to survive, to live, what path is the correct path? Essentially, it could be looked at as a metaphoric film, but, luckily, there is so much more there underneath. Michelle Williams plays Emily Tetherow, a purebred settler, bonnet and all, heading out on the Oregon High Desert, with a small band of other settlers. They are following Meek (Bruce Greenwood), a so-called leader, who is attempting to get them to fertile land, but their short journey has taken much more time than they expected. Thirsty, hungry, and in desperate need of salvation, they take in a Native American to guide them to resources. But do they trust this captive? Will he lead them to what they need or set them up in a trap? This film has as much dialogue as the wildlife surrounding the deserted plains the characters walk on. It is just about the quietest Western ever made, with very little action and so focused on the people themselves and, even more prominently, the landscape, which becomes a character of its own. Filmed with skill and beauty by Kelly Reichardt and cinematographer Chris Blauvelt, Meek's Cutoff is stunning. Though the subdued nature of the film prevents any real powerhouse performances, the actor's take shape in this film almost as if they were in a painting. It is understated, that's for sure, but there is still a sense of urgency; a wary tension that builds until the characters must make the decision of where to follow, and essentially where they want their lives to go. Do they take the risk? Or do they comply and hopelessly wander? It is a question that Reichardt poses so subtly, but its done in a way with class, undeniable style, and a calm so intense, it never crosses into dullness. B+