Wild Indian

In a powerful opening sequence, a Native American man hunts in the woods while confronting brutal realities of life. Tragically, his wife succumbs to smallpox, marking a significant moment of loss and despair.

In 1988 Wisconsin, young Ojibwe boy Makwa Gi-Zheg faces the torment of his abusive father and bullying at school. His cousin Teddo becomes a crucial ally, helping Makwa navigate the troubling complexities of his childhood.

As Makwa develops feelings for a girl at school, he grapples with envy towards James, who effortlessly captures her attention. This longing challenges Makwa's emotional state and adds to his internal conflicts.

Makwa's teacher, a priest, delivers a sermon that resonates deeply with him, emphasizing the importance of freedom of the spirit and accountability for one's actions. The message leaves a lasting impression on Makwa amidst his struggles.

Under Teddo's guidance, Makwa learns to shoot a rifle, a skill that becomes entangled with his budding darker impulses. This lesson foreshadows the violent events that will later unfold in Makwa's life.

As tensions build within their home, Makwa confronts his father with a kitchen knife, symbolizing his frustration and powerlessness. This moment represents the peak of his emotional turmoil and sets the stage for an escalation.

In a shocking turn of events, Makwa witnesses James in the woods, and despite previous envy, he takes aim and shoots him. This impulsive decision alters the course of Makwa's life and leaves him grappling with guilt.

Together with Teddo, Makwa buries James, embroiled in the chilling reality of his violent actions. This act signifies a pivotal moment where Makwa transitions from childhood innocence to a troubled adulthood grounded in trauma.

Fast forward to 2019, Makwa has reinvented himself as Michael Peterson in California, living with a white wife and a baby son. The struggle with his identity is reflected in his pride for his braided hair, a connection to his past.

Despite attempting to maintain a facade, Michael's darker side resurfaces during a disturbing encounter at a club. This moment reveals the internal conflict plaguing him as he succumbs to his past while reciting Hail Marys.

After serving a decade for drug offenses, Teddo returns to his sister Cammy's home with a sense of loss over missed family connections. He soon realizes the impact of time on his relationship with Makwa and others.

Haunted by his past, Teddo confronts Lisa, James' mother, in a desperate moment that reveals the emotional scars of their shared loss. This encounter adds an extra layer of tension to the already fraught relationship between the two men.

Makwa and Teddo meet unexpectedly, leading to an intense exchange filled with unresolved emotions. Tensions rise further when Teddo, burdened by guilt, attempts to take his own life but is interrupted.

In an act of self-defense triggered by underlying resentments, Makwa shoots Teddo during their confrontation. This incident adds another grim chapter to Makwa's narrative, further complicating his life.

With the legal consequences looming over him, Makwa faces an investigator regarding James' disappearance. The tension escalates as he visits a bedridden Lisa, attempting to sway her opinion while navigating the complex truth of his guilt.