Cowboy Film Review

Star rating: 4/5

Writer: Nathan Grubbs, Chris Sivertson, Jeff Hoffman and Joshua Dietz

Director: Nathan Grubbs

Starring: Nathan Grubbs, Alexandra Essoe, Marc Senter and Eddie Steeples.

Cowboy is a thoughtful cowboy story about redemption, and love arising in the most unlikely of ways.

Written by Nathan Grubbs, Chris Sivertson, Jeff Hoffman and Joshua Dietz, Cowboy tells the story of Juno Jackson, a cowboy, and petty criminal in the US South, who goes to prison for a serious crime- losing his friend and longtime partner in crime in the process. When the times comes for his release after having served 5 years with good behaviour, having had the ‘time and grace’ to reflect and re-build, he is a changed man. It is this change that leads to a hugely surprising plot twist.

Directed by Nathan Grubbs, Cowboy is the story of a man who attempts to change his ways, overcome his supposed destiny and make good his mistakes- despite the irretrievable aspects of the situation he has created. It is a well written story, combining an introspective tone with the go-getting storyline of a cowboy.

Technically this is a very strong film, filmically portraying both the vastness of the US South and the intimacy and danger of the situations that unfold. The film has a deeply intentional visual style- complete with cattle skulls, ropes and unending dirt roads. This is also true sonically, with the story being punctuated by the neighing of horses, which is, put simply, cute. This film showcases really strong performances, particularly from Alexandra Essoe, who plays Eve with simultaneous strength and vulnerability.

Cowboy is a heartfelt and intelligent story about redemption, love and how these intertwined with the inevitability of life’s trajectory. At which point is it too late to abandon old ways? And if there is always a point of no return, does it exclude the possibility of peace and connection, even love? Huge questions asked, as all good films do.