Wind River

At the end of Wind River, the film underscores the harsh reality of injustice and the indifference faced by Native American women. Although Lambert and Banner expose the truth about the violence inflicted on Natalie and Matt—including the sexual assault and brutal murder—the story reveals how little is actually done to prevent these tragedies. When Lambert lets Pete go and simply encourages him to run, it symbolizes a form of acceptance rather than revenge, reflecting the movie’s meditation on fate and the natural order. Lambert’s act of releasing Pete, who shortly dies from pulmonary hemorrhage, echoes the idea that some aspects of life are dictated by forces beyond human control—fate and nature. The film suggests that although individuals can seek justice or closure, the larger system often remains unresponsive, leaving many victims’ cases unresolved and forgotten. The haunting truth that Native American women are disproportionately missing or murdered underscores a painful societal neglect—despite the efforts of those like Lambert and Banner, justice remains elusive for many. Ultimately, Wind River is a somber story of loss, acceptance, and the unyielding power of nature and fate, which continue to shape human lives long after the crime is committed. It reminds us that some truths are impossible to fully uncover or rectify, and that the universe often takes its own course, indifferent to human suffering.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44