If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com As many of you know, I like to watch films with as little information as possible – no trailers and very few details about the plot. A24 has become so popular that I don’t even need to know anything specific about a movie; I'm usually in. While Universal, Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, and Columbia are considered the major studios, more people are starting to favor smaller, independent companies that release fewer films each year but with a higher standard of quality. This is also my first experience with a film by Kelly Reichardt. It’s common knowledge that her movies tend to create strong divisions among critics and audiences, so I was curious about where I would land this time. I don't want to sound condescending, but *First Cow* seems to be the type of movie that viewers dislike while critics praise—primarily because of its deliberate slow pacing and simple story. Some will find it boring and drawn-out, whereas others will appreciate its impressive technical aspects as well as the gentle narrative about friendship, loyalty, greed, and power. I don’t completely agree with either viewpoint; I did enjoy this film. In fact, I understand both sides of the arguments being made. On one hand, the story feels like a breath of fresh air compared to Hollywood's visually overwhelming blockbusters. It’s an unusual but calming couple of hours spent following two friends trying to survive. Cookie has cooking skills and clever ideas, while King-Lu uses his instincts to bring those ideas to life. The actors John Magaro and Orion Lee have amazing chemistry, making their characters’ friendship feel very real. Their conversations seem natural and spontaneous. The editing (also handled by Reichardt) is understated, allowing the dialogue to flow smoothly and events to unfold at a deliberate, calm pace—because that's how things happen in life. However, the straightforward story can also be quite predictable, and there are moments when it loses my attention because certain scenes seem to drag on without anything significant happening from a plot or character standpoint. It’s certainly a slow-burn film, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t always maintain its effectiveness throughout the entire movie. The cinematography by Christopher Blauvelt is beautiful, and William Tyler's subtle score is quite pleasant, but visuals and atmosphere can only carry a screenplay so far. When the story does progress, it’s definitely engaging, but it gets bogged down in short stretches that appear at various points in the film. Ultimately, Reichardt and Jon Raymond’s well-written script conveys a kind message through two characters trying to find a way to support themselves and improve their lives. Their personalities are distinct, balancing their friendship with individual strengths and weaknesses. Reichardt directs this co-written story exceptionally well, which has clearly brought success to the pair. I hope they continue making movies for everyone to see, even if some people don’t like them as much as others. Overall, *First Cow* exemplifies one of A24's trademarks: unconventional storytelling. Kelly Reichardt and Jon Raymond have created a well-written screenplay that tells a minimalist story likely to divide critics and audiences due to its intentionally slow pace and uneventful narrative. Reichardt’s direction is grounded and realistic, with authentic dialogue and a genuine sense of friendship. John Magaro and Orion Lee deliver fantastic performances, bringing their characters to life with believable chemistry. The beautiful cinematography and subtle score create a relaxing atmosphere that's different from the usual Hollywood fare. Nevertheless, there are moments where the film feels stretched out, the story is predictable, and while the message is sweet, it can feel like a bit of a long journey. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to peacefully watch a simple movie with a good message, without worrying about how long it takes to reach the end. Rating: B

Source on TMDB