_**A Mixed Bag of Feelings About Leaving the Reservation**_ Makwa’s difficult childhood on a Wisconsin Reservation in the eighties is portrayed alongside his cousin Teddo's experiences. Years later, their paths cross again, and the differences between them are striking. Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer lead the film, with Jesse Eisenberg and Kate Bosworth appearing in smaller parts. "Wild Indian" (2021) unfolds as a deliberate drama centered on contemporary Native Americans and the hardships of Reservation life, along with experiences outside that setting. The movie shares a somber and everyday feel with films like "Leo" (2002), "The Woodsman" (2004), and "First Snow" (2006). While it might not reach the heights of “Woodsman,” it seems better than the other two mentioned. Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr., who wrote and directed, spent his own childhood on Reservations in Wisconsin and Minnesota, so the movie clearly shows things he observed firsthand. He trusts the audience’s ability to understand without needing everything explained directly. The film combines clear imagery with ambiguity, encouraging viewers to think and draw their own conclusions. I found myself wondering about a particular scene at the beach toward the end. As someone with Abenaki heritage, I recognized what was happening because of my own experiences, but it’s something anyone can probably connect with regardless of their background. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes and was filmed in Oklahoma, with some portions shot in Southern California. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB