246 – First Cow

What this episode covers

Though this episode brings talk of the gloom of covid lockdown, we still get to talk about one of our favorite films of the last several years. The story of two men who become friends in the harshness of the 19th century Pacific Northwest and start a business by stealing the milk of the area’s only cow, Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow is a delicate study of American capitalism from one of the most under-rewarded filmmakers working today. The film’s modesty (a Reichardt specialty) might have kept it away from awards talk had it not been one of the last films released prior to covid lockdowns. Though the lack of released films that year and a Best Picture win with New York critics helped keep the film in conversation, First Cow and Reichardt remained on the outside of the Academy’s tastes. This episode, we talk about Reichardt’s filmography and the film’s long festival run ahead of its thwarted theatrical release. We also talk about the performances of John Magaro and Orion Lee, A24 putting all of its 2020 Oscar energy towards (the also great) Minari, and retired bovine actress Evie the cow. Topics also include the Academy ratio, cow puns, and the Gotham awards. Follow Us on Twitter! @Had_Oscar_Buzz Joe: @joereid Chris: @chrisvfeil

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