Meek's Cutoff

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Led by their guide Meek (Greenwood) across the Arizona desert, three wagons sporting three families - the Gatleys (Paul Dano and Zoe Karzan), the Thetherows (Will Patton and Michelle Williams) and the Whites (Neal Huff and Shirley Henderson, and their son Tommy Nelson) - have run into trouble. They fear they're lost and with water and food supplies dwindling, hopes of making their destination follow suit. The trek was supposed to last two weeks, but as they hit week five, tensions rise with the opinion that the grizzled and boastful Meek isn't up to the job takes hold. When they capture an 'Indian' (Rod Rondeaux) in the hope that he will lead them to water, the train splits on what to do with him...

Beautifully shot from close-ups to the wide expanse of the Arizona desert, Meek's Cutoff is a joy to look at. Mimicking what it must have been like dragging three wagons across a desert and up and down steep hills, Reichardt's style can be described meticulous, minimalist, unfussy, patient, etc, or dead boring - it all depends on who you talk to. Along the way Reichardt's trusted writer Jonathan Raymond (who also penned her last two films) tackles patriarchy, racism and the role of women in society. But not a lot happens. And that's being kind. All involved are reading off the same hymn sheet and pitch in with the typically understated performances you find in Reichardt's films; Greenwood's blustery and bearded turn injects some much-needed life into the dour proceedings.

It's apt that 'cutoff' is in the title as that's just what happens to the movie. Heading towards a scene of great decision (should they turn back or keep on?), the decision-making that always takes place at the end of Act II in a film, Reichardt decides that that's enough and enters into pretentious territory.