The somber drama “Wild Indian” explores a difficult narrative concerning the repeating patterns of trauma and violence, particularly within Native American communities. Writer/director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr.’s film showcases a largely Indigenous cast, which contributes to a distinct (and also widely relatable) atmosphere. It's a story filled with cultural significance that doesn’t avoid serious subjects like persistent suffering and overcoming inherited trauma. Makwa (Phoenix Wilson) and his close friend Teddo (Julian Gopal) are ordinary school-aged boys who enjoy spending time together in the woods. Makwa frequently arrives at class with unexplained bruises, which seem to be worsening. He claims they're from falls, but it’s clear he is experiencing abuse at home. One day, while shooting in the woods, Makwa unexpectedly murders a classmate. Teddo agrees to assist him in concealing the body and keeping their secret permanently, wanting to protect his friend from consequences. The film then moves forward in time, showing the two men leading very different lives as adults. After being released from prison, Teddo, burdened by regret over what they did years before, decides to visit Makwa (Michael Greyeyes), who is now a successful businessman with a wife and child. This meeting, long anticipated, provides an opportunity for each of them to confront the reality of their actions in the woods. Corbine Jr. elicits strong performances from his actors, and the film maintains a pervasive feeling of unease. The narrative doesn’t flinch from depicting the terrible events that continue to affect these two men, including two particularly disturbing scenes involving Makwa—one where he acts out a violent fantasy with a stripper and another showing him interacting with his son. There seems to be something fundamentally harsh within this man's nature, and it is something he might never overcome. “Wild Indian” brings up thought-provoking concepts about sorrow, remorse, and accountability while also highlighting the continued challenges faced by Native Americans in America.

Source on TMDB