Director Kelly Reichardt has gained a large critical following for her quiet, well acted films. Commercial success has not followed, something that First Cow has not changed.
In 1820’s Oregon, baker Cookie (John Magaro) meets and befriends Chinese immigrant King-Lu (Orion Lee). When the local Chief Factor (Toby Jones) imports the first cow into the district in order to have fresh milk for his tea, Cookie and King-Lu start milking the animal at night so Cookie can make and sell baked goods. The Chief Factor hears word of the delicious cakes on offer and gets the pair to provide him with a treat when he is hosting visitors. Although fearing they will be discovered, they agree.
First Cow does demand your attention. It moves at a slow pace, and a lot of the time is spent in darkness. But, if you are willing to invest the time, you should be drawn in and start to really root for the pair. Reichardt superbly captures the hardship of the times, with the majority living in grimy poverty, whilst the wealthy few have a life of luxury.
The whole cast is impressive but it is Jones who steals the show as the pompous landlord.
The open ending may annoy some people, but I think there was enough information provided for a viewer to understand what befell Cookie and King-Lu.
Rating: 8 out of 10