First Cow! A Poignant Tale of Friendship and Ambitious Dreams Set Against the Rugged Oregon Territory

“First Cow”, directed by Kelly Reichardt and released in 2019, (yes, I know it technically came out before 2020 but hey, let’s call it a late bloomer) is a captivating and understated masterpiece. This isn’t your typical boisterous, action-packed Western. Instead, “First Cow” unfolds like a slow burn, immersing you in the harsh realities and quiet desperation of early 19th century Oregon Territory through the lens of an unlikely friendship.

The story revolves around Cookie Figowitz, a skilled cook played with heartbreaking vulnerability by John Magaro. We meet him as he’s traversing the unforgiving landscape, eventually finding himself working alongside King Lu, a Chinese immigrant portrayed with quiet dignity by Orion Lee. Driven by poverty and a desire for a better life, they hatch a risky plan: steal milk from the prized cow belonging to a wealthy landowner and use it to bake oily cakes – a delicacy that quickly becomes a sensation among the region’s rough-and-tumble inhabitants.

Reichardt masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, ambition, class disparity, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. While the film centers on Cookie’s culinary endeavors, the true heart of “First Cow” lies in the complex bond between him and King Lu. They are two men from vastly different backgrounds united by circumstance and a shared longing for something more.

Their partnership is not without its tensions; the moral implications of their scheme weigh heavily on Cookie’s conscience. King-Lu, however, seems unfazed by the transgression, his pragmatism bordering on recklessness driving their plan forward. The dynamic between them is beautifully nuanced, showcasing both the camaraderie and the inherent challenges of forging meaningful connections in a world marked by scarcity and opportunism.

Character	Actor	Key Traits
Cookie Figowitz	John Magaro	Kind-hearted, gentle, conflicted
King Lu	Orion Lee	Ambitious, pragmatic, resourceful

“First Cow” is not just a story about making cakes; it’s a commentary on the struggles of survival in a fledgling society. The film’s deliberate pacing allows you to savor the quiet moments, the subtle gestures, and the unspoken emotions that paint a poignant portrait of two men navigating an unforgiving world.

Reichardt’s direction is masterful. She crafts a visually stunning world using natural lighting and minimalist sets, immersing you in the rugged beauty and harsh realities of the Oregon Territory. The score, composed by William Tyler, perfectly complements the film’s contemplative mood with its melancholic melodies and haunting acoustic soundscapes.

While “First Cow” may not appeal to those seeking adrenaline-pumping action or predictable plot twists, it offers a deeply rewarding cinematic experience for those willing to slow down and appreciate the subtleties of human connection and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of adversity.