Is Wind River Based on a True Story? Ending Explained and More
by Rohit
Updated Apr 17, 2023
Wind River Plot Summary
Wind River is a 2017 neo-Western crime film written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. The plot follows Cory Lambert, a wildlife officer played by Jeremy Renner, as he helps an FBI agent, played by Elizabeth Olsen, investigate the murder of a young Native American woman on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The investigation takes the characters through the rugged terrain and harsh conditions of the reservation, forcing them to confront the longstanding issues and injustices faced by the Native American community.
Is Wind River Based on a True Story?
No, the plot of the 2017 film Wind River was not based on a single true story. However, it was inspired by the real-life concerns surrounding missing and murdered indigenous women in the United States and Canada. The writer and director Taylor Sheridan has stated that the film is "based on thousands of actual stories just like it." While Wind River isn't a true story, it sheds light on a very real and pressing issue.
According to interviews with the writer and director, Taylor Sheridan, the inspiration for Wind River came from the very real issue of missing and murdered indigenous women in the United States and Canada. Sheridan was motivated to shine a light on this problem and depict the ways in which it affects not only individuals but entire communities. In doing so, he hoped to raise awareness and bring attention to a long-standing issue that had not received significant attention in mainstream media.
Wind River Ending Explained
The ending of Wind River sees Cory (Jeremy Renner) confronting the man who raped and killed his daughter years before. Cory had found out that his daughter's boyfriend had gotten her and her young child addicted to drugs, leading to their deaths in the wilderness. Cory had been unable to accept or deal with his grief, leading him to estrange himself from his wife and son in the years since.
In the film's climactic scene, Cory confronts the boyfriend on a snow-covered mountaintop, forcing him to confess to his crimes. Cory then kills the man and buries his body in the snow. In the final scene, Cory finally begins to accept his daughter's death and reunites with his son, who had been living with his ex-wife.
The ending of Wind River is a cathartic resolution for the main character, who had been struggling with his grief and guilt throughout the film. However, it also raises questions about the justice system and revenge, as Cory takes the law into his own hands rather than letting the legal system handle the punishment for the crimes.
Wind River Critical Reception
Wind River received generally positive critical reception upon its release in 2017. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently has an approval rating of 87% based on 264 reviews, with an average rating of 7.7/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Wind River lures viewers into a character-driven mystery with smart writing, a strong cast, and a skillfully rendered setting that delivers the bitter chill promised by its title." The film was also praised for its sensitive and insightful handling of indigenous issues, and its poignant portrayal of grief and healing.
Wind River 2017 Themes
Wind River, a 2017 neo-Western crime film directed by Taylor Sheridan, touches upon several themes throughout the story. These themes include:
- Grief and trauma: The main character, Cory Lambert, is struggling with the grief and trauma of losing his daughter years ago.
- Injustice towards the indigenous community: The murder of a young Native American woman on the Wind River Indian Reservation highlights the injustice and lack of resources faced by the Native American community.
- Rape and sexual violence: The plot of the film revolves around the investigation of the brutal rape and murder of a young woman, shining a light on the issue of sexual violence against women.
- Vigilantism and justice: The film raises questions about vigilantism and justice, as Cory takes the law into his own hands in the finale rather than relying on the legal system.
Wind River deals with complex themes in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner.
Is Wind River Based on a True Story - FAQs
Wind River is a 2017 neo-Western crime film directed by Taylor Sheridan that follows a wildlife officer as he helps investigate the murder of a young Native American woman on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.
Wind River touches upon several themes, including grief and trauma, injustice towards the indigenous community, rape and sexual violence, and vigilantism and justice.
The writer and director, Taylor Sheridan, was inspired by the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women in the United States and Canada and wanted to bring attention to the problem.
Wind River received generally positive critical reception, with an approval rating of 87% based on 264 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film stars Jeremy Renner as Corey Lambert, a wildlife officer, and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, an FBI agent, as well as several other actors in supporting roles.