First Cow

First Cow

Year: 2020

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Kelly Reichardt

Drama

In the Oregon Territory of the 1820s, a gentle cook and a resourceful Chinese immigrant strike up an unexpected friendship while facing the challenges of the frontier. They begin a clandestine and increasingly complicated scheme, using the prized cow belonging to a wealthy landowner to bake and sell delicious pastries, hoping to achieve prosperity and a better life for themselves. Their actions, however, risk exposing their secret and jeopardizing their fragile alliance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – First Cow (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of First Cow (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1820s

The 1820s was a period marked by westward expansion in America, with fur trappers and settlers navigating the frontier for new opportunities. This era highlighted themes of ambition and survival against the backdrop of untamed nature and economic struggle.

Location

Oregon Country, San Francisco

Oregon Country in the early 19th century is characterized by its rugged landscapes and the thriving fur trade, serving as a critical frontier region. San Francisco, although less prominent in the film, represents the dreams and aspirations of the main characters, symbolizing opportunity and growth.

🏞️ Wilderness 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Main Characters – First Cow (2020)

Meet the key characters of First Cow (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Otis 'Cookie' Figowitz

Cookie is a reserved and resourceful character who proves to be a talented chef despite the taunts from his peers. His dreams of entrepreneurship and his capacity for innovation drive the narrative, showcasing a complex persona shaped by determination and vulnerability.

👨‍🍳 Chef 💔 Underdog

King-Lu

King-Lu is a Chinese immigrant with a daring spirit and a desire for a better life. His courage to take risks and his commitment to his friendship with Cookie exemplify resilience, highlighting the immigrant experience and themes of survival.

🌏 Immigrant ⚔️ Bold

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Major Themes – First Cow (2020)

Explore the central themes of First Cow (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Ambition

Ambition drives the characters to pursue entrepreneurship despite their impoverished circumstances. Cookie and Lu's dreams of wealth through baking reflect their desire for a better life, showing how ambition can inspire creativity and risk-taking.

🌌 Friendship

The bond between Cookie and Lu is central to the story, showcasing loyalty and support in the face of adversity. Their partnership signifies the strength of friendship, which helps them navigate the challenges of their environment.

🥐 Perseverance

The struggle to create a successful business despite numerous obstacles highlights the theme of perseverance. Cookie and Lu's journey illustrates how hard work and determination can lead to unexpected success, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:49

Unlock the Full Story of First Cow

Don't stop at just watching — explore First Cow in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what First Cow is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

First Cow Summary

Read a complete plot summary of First Cow, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

First Cow Summary

First Cow Timeline

Track the full timeline of First Cow with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

First Cow Timeline

More About First Cow

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about First Cow: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About First Cow

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