A troubled but well-intentioned father who has recently separated from his wife runs off with his trans son into the Montana wilderness after his ex-wife’s refusal to let their son live as his authentic self.
Chuck says:
There’s a great deal of misunderstanding in Anna Kerrigan’s Cowboys. Young teen Joe (Sasha Knight) is confused about her sexuality as she was born a girl but knows this is a mistake and wants to be treated as a boy. His mother Sally (Jillian Bell) wants to support her but is afraid of the abuse she will endure so refuses to recognize her child as she’d like to be. Her father Troy (Steve Zahn), used to being treated as an outsider, understands his daughter’s feelings and does all he can to support her, even going so far as taking her on an unauthorized trip to Canada without mom. A manhunt ensues, bonds are tested, broken and repaired and each of these three take a meandering path towards acceptance. This sleeper, a narratively economic movie, tells its tale briskly and effectively, leaving us entertained, moved and educated in a little under 90 minutes. Oh, that more films were this concise and to the point!
3 1/2 Stars
Pam says:
What a refreshingly beautiful story with extraordinary scenery and performances to break your heart and then lift your spirit. Anna Kerrigan, writer and director, focuses in on a troubled relationship on a two-pronged approach–soon-to-be ex-husband Troy (Steve Zahn) deals with mental illness and their daughter, Joe (Sasha Knight), struggles with gender identity all of which pushes this narrative into high gear as Dad takes Joe away one night. Their adventure as they travel north to Canada, running from Sally (Jillian Bell), Joe’s mom, and then from the law, is filled with both big and small but equally poignant dramatic moments.
We look back through Sally’s memories to better understand what has happened and why Troy has taken Joe –Sally’s refusal to accept Joe, pushing her to play with dolls and wear dresses. This shuts down the lines of communication and while we may judge Sally’s actions, there’s not one mom out there that doesn’t understand her thanks to such a grounded performance by Bell. On the opposing side, Troy, with all his manic and addictive behaviors, has a heart of gold and easily finds acceptance through love. Zahn’s portrayal of Troy is wonderfully layered which gives us a rich character with whom we understand and can have sympathy for. And we feel for Joe who is just trying to be herself. Knight might have the toughest role in the film, giving us a character we all know and ultimately root for. Together, these performances allow you into a world that we may not have seen nor understood before, walking along side them on this adventure of life, love, and compassion.
3 1/2 Stars
