Cowboys

Cowboys (2020) is an intense, emotional, and thought-provoking film that blends family drama with a Western-inspired adventure. It features the remarkable performances of Steve Zahn, Jillian Bell, and Sasha Knight, forming a complicated and moving narrative towering over the breath-taking Montana landscape.

The story’s central premise revolves around a strained family life, a struggling father-son relationship, and a thrilling escape adventure. Steve Zahn plays Troy, a chaotic but endearing father bogged down by bipolar disorder and the disarray of his personal life. Despite his quirks and uncertainties, he possesses a sincere heart, full of love for his family but particularly towards his son, played by Sasha Knight.

Knight's portrayal of Joe, an earnest and wise-beyond-years transgender boy, imbues the narrative with complexity and sincere emotion. Joe's longing for acceptance and willingness to confront his identity in a world still struggling to understand transgender youth lays bare the intricacies attached to growing up.

Jillian Bell excellently encapsulates the internal struggle of Sally, a mother grappling with acute denial, grief, and bafflement. Her performance beautifully juxtaposes vulnerability and strength, showing a mother's love battling her own prejudices. Yet, despite her skepticism about Joe's identity, she remains steadfast, supplying a source of love and friction in equal measure.

At the heart of Cowboys is a journey, both physical and metaphorical. The film's narrative is braced by a daring escape into the American wilderness as Troy and Joe venture into the rugged landscapes of Montana - retracing the common trope of cowboy stories of old but in entirely new contexts. Their expedition through Montana's unknown wilderness supplies moments of profound bonding, a sharpening of shared understanding, and daring escape from their complicated reality.

Underpinning the journey is a palpable sense of conflict and miscommunication. However, it is the bond between Troy and Joe that stands as the emotional crux of the film. Their relationship is nothing short of an exhilarating display of affection, support, and acceptance. Zahn and Knight share a tangible chemistry - creating the impression of an authentic father-son bond, fortified especially in the understanding and acceptance Zahn's character shows toward Joe's gender identity.

Anna Kerrigan writes and directs this heart-wrenching and gritty tale, delicately guiding her narrative through sensitive discourse about mental illness, gender identity, family dynamics, and personal acceptance. Kerrigan’s handling of these complex themes is careful yet bold, weaving characters that are beautifully flawed and undeniably human.

Moreover, Montana's terrific landscape isn't merely a setting in Cowboys; instead, it’s a magnificent character in itself, impacting the storyline and influencing the film's tone in remarkable ways. Its savage, unbound wild beauty parallels the raw, unchecked nature of Troy and Joe's journey, acting as both a physical and inner journey for the characters.

In summary, Cowboys brings together profound family drama, thought-provoking social commentary, and an exciting escape adventure, all set against a distinctive Wild West milieu. Supported by a strong script and distinguished performances from Zahn, Bell, and Knight, it's a layered narrative that prompts reflection on acceptance, identity, and the lengths one will go for a loved one. It showcases the struggle between societal norms and personal identity, offering a bold narrative that isn't afraid to examine some of the most intimate aspects of what it means to be a family. With Cowboys, Kerrigan delivers an emotionally charged cinematic experience that truly encapsulates the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the human spirit. A must-watch for those seeking a different kind of Western, one that encapsulates the essence of the genre but dares to venture in new, profound directions.