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First Cow

Play trailer 1:38 Poster for First Cow PG-13 Released Mar 6, 2020 2h 2m Western Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 224 Reviews 65% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Two travelers, on the run from a band of vengeful hunters in the 1820s Northwest, dream of striking it rich -- but their tenuous plan to make their fortune on the frontier comes to rely on the secret use of a landowner's prized dairy cow.
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First Cow

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Critics Consensus

First Cow finds director Kelly Reichardt revisiting territory and themes that will be familiar to fans of her previous work -- with typically rewarding results.

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Critics Reviews

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Christina Newland iNews.co.uk Filmed with a compassionate eye, this is the antithesis of the dusty classic western. Rated: 5/5 Sep 23, 2024 Full Review Deborah Ross The Spectator It is touching, tender, original, entrancing, definitely the best cow film of the year. Plus it's also a quietly masterful thriller where a clafoutis (blueberry) will have you on the edge of your seat. Jul 29, 2021 Full Review Tara Brady Irish Times Reichardt works in delicate movements as a storyteller. Magaro and Lee's wonderful chemistry keeps perfectly in step with the filmmaker. Rated: 5/5 Jul 23, 2021 Full Review Morgan Olson Loud and Clear Reviews For all its idiosyncrasies in presentation and characterization, its narrative regresses into a standard fare that lacks momentum or significant character growth. Rated: 2.5/5 Jan 8, 2025 Full Review Joonatan Itkonen Toisto.net There’s a tenderness in how Reichardt depicts the trials and victories for the two hapless heroes. Neither of whom is made for such a hostile world. Their friendship isn’t agreed upon, just something always destined to happen. Rated: 5/5 Jul 11, 2024 Full Review Brendan Cassidy InSession Film This has become a common staple for Reichardt, whose films are all about companionship seeking prosperity, but the friendship here between Otis/Cookie and King-Lu (John Magaro and Orion Lee respectively) may be her most endearing yet. Jul 9, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Michael G Technically, it was abysmally recorded, in darkness. Thematically, it was an interesting vignette of societal extremes played out through deceit. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/16/20 Full Review Audience Member I couldn't wait for it to end. Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Rolf T The gentle pacing of First Cow is reminiscent of a nature documentary, which of course it is - a study of human nature on the frontier of the Pacific northwest, before electricity, gas and TV. As the frontier creeps towards the Pacific ocean the trappings of civilization gradually appear from the east, including the first cow to arrive in the settlement. The central characters are searching for opportunity in a land without a safety net, and it is perhaps this sense of insecurity that makes a simple story so compelling. Crafted with Kelly Reichardt's distinctive ability to find profound meaning in quiet and understated moments, this film is a refreshing contrast to the overabundance of overstuffed movies that lack both authenticity and humanity. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/12/25 Full Review Georgan G This film is unique as a western. In 1820's north western USA, a friendship between a Chinese man & a cook is the focus. The plot moves slowly, but the beautiful cinematography & fascinating details holds your interest. Only criticism is some parts are too dark to see. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/29/24 Full Review Sanjin M Underwhelming. Decent cinematography, decent score, fair acting. That is about it. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/29/24 Full Review Don S seemed a little slow but I really liked the story, well worth the journey. gary farmer, toby jones, rene auberjonois familiar faces. great acting and a beautiful cow, it all comes together. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/24 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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Kelly Reichardt

Director

John Magaro

Cookie Figowitz

Orion Lee

King Lu

Alia Shawkat

Woman With Dog

Toby Jones

Chief Factor

Lily Gladstone

Chief Factor's Wife

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First Cow

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First Cow

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Movie Info

Synopsis Two travelers, on the run from a band of vengeful hunters in the 1820s Northwest, dream of striking it rich -- but their tenuous plan to make their fortune on the frontier comes to rely on the secret use of a landowner's prized dairy cow.
Director
Kelly Reichardt
Producer
Neil Kopp, Vincent Savino, Anish Savjani
Screenwriter
Jonathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt
Distributor
A24
Production Co
Film Science
Rating
PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre
Western, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 6, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 10, 2020
Box Office (Gross USA)
$161.0K
Runtime
2h 2m
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