Set in 1845, this drama follows a group of settlers as they embark on a punishing journey along the Oregon Trail. When their guide leads them astray, the expedition is forced to contend with the unforgiving conditions of the high plain desert.
This is the sort of film critics love to praise because the filmmaker has done good work before; and well, there must be something there. Well, there's not.
– Tom Long,
Detroit News,
13 May 2011
fresh:
A mesmerizing cinematic journey that is often as arduous and spare as the lives of its hard-bitten protagonists.
– Ann Hornaday,
Washington Post,
20 May 2011
fresh:
There are stretches that are, frankly, boring. But the vivid details and intimacy you develop with these travelers sticks with you, leaving you in awe of the insane feats people had to accomplish in order for us to enjoy the world we know today.
– Rene Rodriguez,
Miami Herald,
25 May 2011
fresh:
Greatly enhanced by the performances of Michelle Williams and Bruce Greenwood, director Kelly Reichardt's film quietly becomes engrossing - it almost sneaks up on you.
– Bill Goodykoontz,
Arizona Republic,
26 May 2011
fresh:
Imagine a collaboration between John Ford and Wallace Stevens and you might get a sense of what Kelly Reichardt pulls off here: a sincere re-creation of the pioneer experience, brought to life through careful, often unexpected detail.