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★★★★★
Directed by: Kelly Reichardt
Written by: Jonathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt
Starring: John Magaro, Orion Lee
Ships and boats are a common sight in Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow. These slow-moving, freely floating vehicles extend their calmness to the pacing of this film. The camera is mostly fixed, allowing us to soak, breathe, and immerse into every nook and corner of the frames. We are tranquilized as we glide smoothly from one scene to the next. The year is 1820, and Reichardt is in no rush to unfold the story. All she asks is you patiently go along with her on this slow burn, albeit rewarding journey.
A piece of tender music decorates the opening credits of First Cow (there will be more such soothing tunes in the movie). You are so lost in the film that you don’t realize how swiftly Reichardt transports you back in time, introducing you to Otis Figowitz or Cookie (John Magaro) and King-Lu (Orion Lee). Cookie is a kind and gentle chef who does not hesitate to feed a stranger who may also be a murderer. I am referring to King-Lu, who is chased by the Russians for killing one of their men. After their initial meet-and-greet, they separate from each other only to meet again at a bar. This time, King-Lu extends a helping hand towards Cookie by offering him shelter at his shack.
What’s immediately discernible is that both the men are alone and in need of a friend or companion. They are away from their native places with no acquaintance in this foreign land. Notice the happiness in Cookie’s voice when he sees King-Lu again. “I never thought I’d ever see you again,” says Cookie with relief on his face. When the two arrive at King-Lu’s place, Cookie starts sweeping the floor while King-Lu cuts the wood. They immediately work as a team. Their conversations, in the beginning, are filled with awkward pauses and silences. After taking a sip or two from the bottle, they stand quietly, unable to think of what to speak next. To break the uneasiness, King-Lu moves on to get a fire going.
Someone else is also lonely and away from her origins. It’s the cow, the very first in the region. She has lost her mate and calf on the journey to Oregon. First Cow finds a bond between Cookie, King-Lu, and this cow. The three help one another to survive in the region. Cookie and King-Lu fulfill their business needs by stealing milk from the cow while she finds comfort in Cookie’s company as he talks, sympathizes, and respects her.
A narrative like this with a clandestine activity at its center is usually amped-up with drama and tension. You wait in suspense for the inevitable tragedy or a twist giving way to a happy ending. Reichardt does not operate on the mystery. She reveals the fate of the protagonists early in the movie. Does it undercut the rest of First Cow? No. Why? Because you don’t fixate on the destination but revel in the journey. You observe the sympathy shown by the characters and marvel at Reichardt’s keen observations. The more I think about this film, the more I fall in love with it. Cookie and King-Lu’s connection is one of the most incredible bonds I have seen in the movies. It just leaps out of the screen. There is so much love that goes undeclared and unspoken, but the characters make sure you catch it in their eyes and their words. I would have showered thousands of stars on it, but the website has a limit of up to five. This is one of the best films you will see this year so don’t forget to catch it on Mubi.
First Cow is available on MUBI 9 July 2021
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