Montana Story Review: A Nuanced, Captivating Drama That Goes Slow & Steady

Montana Story Review: A Nuanced, Captivating Drama That Goes Slow & Steady

Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague in Montana Story
There isn’t all that much happening in Montana Story, but that isn’t reason enough for audiences not to see it. The film takes its time unfolding its central story, that of the fraught relationship between its protagonists. While some may be turned off by its slow pacing, it proves to be perfect, giving time for the narrative to unfold, layering the characters’ backstory and journeys ahead. It’s a simple tale, but one that is cushioned by the deep feelings at its core, ones that ache and yearn, hurt and love. The sibling dynamic that gives Montana Story its beating heart is quite lovely, meaningful and complicated. For the first half of the film, it’s a bit difficult to ascertain exactly why Erin and Cal are estranged, though it’s obvious their abusive father had a role to play in creating this distance between two people who were once quite close.

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The exploration of their relationship — its highs and its lows — is potent, laced with a tremendous amount of grief and longing for the return of the way things used to be between them. The film isn’t so quick to explain the nature of their layered dynamic so much as it allows their interactions to play out organically before dropping the source of conflict. To that end, every conversation is crucial, painting a picture of what is happening while allowing the actors to convey the beautifully profound feelings their characters are experiencing. Montana Story is poignant in that way, taking its time to unpack all that there is between Cal and Erin without ever feeling contrived.

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Owen Teague in Montana Story
The film’s central premise is helped by the gorgeous shots of the Montana landscape, thanks to cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. The vastness of the rolling hills and the empty land makes the characters seem relatively small in comparison, but it also isolates them in their grief and pain, giving focus to their relationship and all of its complications. Montana Story is genuinely deep and made all the better by Richardson and Teague’s outstanding performances, their expressions, delivery, and body language showcasing the anguish, the unhealed wounds, and the underlying love their characters have for each other so well. Watching them is captivating. All told, McGehee and Siegel have crafted a dynamic, achingly beautiful story that is driven by its characters and is not one to miss.

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Montana Story released in limited theaters May 13 and nationwide on May 20. The film is 114 minutes long and is rated R for language.

Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5 (Very Good)

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#Montana #Story #Review #Nuanced #Captivating #Drama #Slow #Steady

Montana Story Review: A Nuanced, Captivating Drama That Goes Slow & Steady

Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague in Montana Story
There isn’t all that much happening in Montana Story, but that isn’t reason enough for audiences not to see it. The film takes its time unfolding its central story, that of the fraught relationship between its protagonists. While some may be turned off by its slow pacing, it proves to be perfect, giving time for the narrative to unfold, layering the characters’ backstory and journeys ahead. It’s a simple tale, but one that is cushioned by the deep feelings at its core, ones that ache and yearn, hurt and love. The sibling dynamic that gives Montana Story its beating heart is quite lovely, meaningful and complicated. For the first half of the film, it’s a bit difficult to ascertain exactly why Erin and Cal are estranged, though it’s obvious their abusive father had a role to play in creating this distance between two people who were once quite close.

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1535570269372-ccr2’); });

The exploration of their relationship — its highs and its lows — is potent, laced with a tremendous amount of grief and longing for the return of the way things used to be between them. The film isn’t so quick to explain the nature of their layered dynamic so much as it allows their interactions to play out organically before dropping the source of conflict. To that end, every conversation is crucial, painting a picture of what is happening while allowing the actors to convey the beautifully profound feelings their characters are experiencing. Montana Story is poignant in that way, taking its time to unpack all that there is between Cal and Erin without ever feeling contrived.

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1535570269372-ccr3’); });

Owen Teague in Montana Story
The film’s central premise is helped by the gorgeous shots of the Montana landscape, thanks to cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. The vastness of the rolling hills and the empty land makes the characters seem relatively small in comparison, but it also isolates them in their grief and pain, giving focus to their relationship and all of its complications. Montana Story is genuinely deep and made all the better by Richardson and Teague’s outstanding performances, their expressions, delivery, and body language showcasing the anguish, the unhealed wounds, and the underlying love their characters have for each other so well. Watching them is captivating. All told, McGehee and Siegel have crafted a dynamic, achingly beautiful story that is driven by its characters and is not one to miss.

googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1535570269372-ccr4’); });

Montana Story released in limited theaters May 13 and nationwide on May 20. The film is 114 minutes long and is rated R for language.

Our Rating:
3.5 out of 5 (Very Good)

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#Montana #Story #Review #Nuanced #Captivating #Drama #Slow #Steady