Kelly Reichardt abandons the modern simple realism of Wendy and Lucy and plunges into the past for a fascinating, austere western about early settlers surviving the harsh Midwestern terrain.  Three couples being lead across Oregon find themselves at the very edge of their own survival when their guide (Bruce Greenwood) gets them lost and has them wandering the landscape.  Disoriented, terrified and running out of water, the group do their best to withstand the pressures of their environment while also trying to keep their spirits up and not lose all faith in their guide; not that Reichardt ever lets anything play itself out so obviously.  Like most of her work, there is a lot of moody quietness, but here it is absorbing and poetic, with superbly gorgeous photography that takes the best of John Ford westerns and applies the style to a much grittier, more believable recreation of the wild, wild west.  Reichardt has concocted an almost mythic vision in her demythologizing the American past, and makes fascinating viewing out of the simplest situations.  Cast members Michelle Williams, Shirley Henderson, Greenwood, Paul Dano Will Patton and Zoe Kazan all turn in terrific performances.

Reichardt Previous:  Wendy And Lucy / 2008

Reichardt Next:  Night Moves

Bil's Best Of 2010

Toronto International Film Festival: 2010