James R | On 15, Feb 2021

MUBI will release First Cow in the UK this May.

The latest film from Kelly Reichardt (Wendy & Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff, Night Moves), it once again sees the director train her distinct eye on the Pacific Northwest, evoking an authentic look at early 19th-century life with present day relevance.

A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has travelled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, although he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana.

Following its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, the movie screened at the Locarno Film Festival, the New York Film Festival, and competed for the Golden Bear award at the Berlin Film Festival. It won Best Film at the 2020 New York Film Critics Circle Awards, and last month was nominated for three Film Independent Spirit Awards including Best Feature and Best Director. Now, streaming service MUBI has announced that it will be releasing the film on UK shores, with a release date set for the 28th May in UK cinemas (coronavirus pandemic allowing).

To announce the release, MUBI has also dropped a new clip online giving us a first look at the tone and setting of the film, as the eponymous cow is carefully transported upriver and brought ashore.

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