MUBI Set To Release Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow in The UK

After an successful an festival run back in 2019 Kelly Reichardt’s critically acclaimed First Cow is finally getting UK and Irish release. The boutique streaming channel MUBI have announced they won the international rights to film (except USA and China).

The film is a quietly suspenseful look at male friendship and the peculiar rhythms of rural life. Acclaimed filmmaker Reichardt (Wendy & Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff, Night Moves) once again trains her distinct and perceptive eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentic look at early nineteenth century life with present day relevance.

The channel have sent us this newly released clip offers a glimpse at the evocative tone and setting of the film as the eponymous cow is carefully transported upriver and brought ashore.

A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has travelled west and ed a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though 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 that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own.

First Cow will be released in UK and Irish Cinemas from 28th May. The film stars John Magaro, Orion Lee, Alia Shawkat, John Magaro, Dylan Smith, Toby Jones, and Ewan Bremner.