First Cow

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1:38

First Cow

PG-13

Released Mar 6, 2020

2h 2m

Western

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

I couldn't wait for it to end.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

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

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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

Audience Member

I loved this movie. Just watched it for the 3rd time. Every about this movie works. Everything

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/24

Full Review

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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: Trailer 1

1:38

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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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