Montana Story

Cal and Erin, half-siblings with a complicated past, return to their father's expansive ranch in Montana. They are drawn back by the news of their father's coma and placement on life support, bringing up memories of a cherished childhood in the vast Montana landscapes.

Both siblings reflect on their family tragedies as they confront their father's condition. Cal's mother has passed away two years prior, and Erin's mother died giving birth to her, leaving them with only the housekeeper Valentina and Kenyan nurse Ace for support.

As they cope with their father's illness, Cal's unresolved anger from past abuse surfaces, driving him to sell off the ranch's possessions. Meanwhile, Erin's emotional turmoil stems from their father's violent past, forcing both to confront their shared traumatic history while trying to move forward.

Amidst the chaos, Erin decides to bring the elderly family horse, Mr. T, to her home in Hudson Valley, New York. This decision showcases her desire to reclaim some semblance of normalcy and continuity in her disrupted life.

During a moment of vulnerability, Cal confides in Ace about a scandal that plagued their father's legal career, tied to the secrecy surrounding the Copperhead open-pit mine. This revelation opens old wounds as they recount Erin's courageous act of reporting corruption, which led to their father's violent outburst.

Looking for reconciliation, Cal shares details of his life in Cheyenne, Wyoming, including his interest in civil engineering. However, Erin remains defensive, highlighting the barriers formed by their traumatic childhood and strained sibling dynamics.

Erin purchases an old truck and horse trailer to transport Mr. T, despite Cal's skepticism about the vehicle's reliability. The truck seller, Mukki, shares intriguing stories about his Mohican ancestry, adding depth to their situation while they prepare for their journey.

The siblings find themselves stranded when the truck breaks down, forcing them to wait for Valentina's son, Joey, to arrive with a tow truck. During this time, they share personal stories, and Erin reveals her culinary talents learned from her restaurant job.

While reflecting on their past, Erin compares the Copperhead mine to Dante's seven circles of Hell, capturing the oppressive history and their family's pain. This prompts deeper discussions about their shared experiences and the mythos of the American West.

A sudden thunderstorm causes a power outage, jeopardizing their father's life-support system. In a moment of desperation, Erin steps into action, manually pumping a bag valve mask to keep their father alive, showcasing her strength and resolve amidst chaos.

After the power is restored, Erin feels a mix of relief and resentment towards her father for all the pain he caused her. She confronts Cal about his perceived cowardice in failing to protect her during their father's outbursts, revealing deep-seated guilt and conflict.

That same night, Cal grapples with his father's unfulfilled life and faces the devastating moment when their father flatlines. Although it's heavily implied that Cal chose to disconnect him from life support, Ace covers for him, attributing the death to earlier complications.

As Erin and Cal prepare to navigate their futures, Erin asks Cal to stay in touch. Cal agrees, suggesting a newfound willingness to reconnect and mend their fractured relationship, despite their troubling history.

In a twist of loyalty and compassion, Erin decides to leave Mr. T at Mukki's ranch rather than take him with her. This decision ensures that the horse has a caring home among friends, reflecting Erin's growth and understanding of familial bonds.