Wind River

The film opens on a frigid night in the Wyoming Wilderness, where an 18-year-old Native American woman named Natalie Hanson is seen fleeing barefoot through the snow. Her terrified glance back sets a haunting tone for the film, foreshadowing the dark events to come.

Cory Lambert, a dedicated hunter for the Fish and Wildlife Department, is introduced dressed in white camouflage as he hunts wolves. His character is defined by tragedy, having lost his own daughter at a young age, which deeply affects his actions and decisions throughout the story.

During one of his hunts, Cory stumbles upon a chilling sight—the lifeless body of Natalie hidden partially in the snow. Noticing signs of severe frostbite and a head injury, he promptly informs the Reservation Tribal Police, demonstrating his commitment to uncovering the truth.

Cory's discovery leads to devastating news for Natalie's parents, Martin and Annie Hanson. The heartbreaking notification reveals the harsh reality of their daughter's fate, altering the course of their lives forever.

Cory waits with Tribal Police chief Ben for the arrival of FBI Agent Jane Banner as a severe snowstorm rages on. This moment emphasizes the isolation of the setting and the urgency of the investigation into Natalie's tragic demise.

Upon Jane's arrival, the three proceed to the grim location where Natalie’s body was found. They determine it to be a homicide, and chilling details emerge, revealing she was assaulted and succumbed to the elements as her lungs filled with cold air.

Determined to uncover the truth, the trio visits a dilapidated home connected to Sam Littlefeather, a known drug dealer. The situation escalates into violence, with gunfire exchanged; Cory captures Natalie's brother, Chip, while Jane pursues Sam, leading to Sam's death.

Further inquiries reveal Natalie had a boyfriend, Matt Rayburn, who worked as a security guard at local oil drilling sites. This revelation introduces a new layer of complexity as the investigation expands to involve Matt's connections.

Following snowmobile trails from Sam's house, Cory makes a grim discovery—the body of Matt, partially buried in the snow. This horrific find underscores the widespread violence in the area and brings them closer to understanding the chain of events leading to Natalie's death.

Jane, Ben, and local deputies head to the oil drilling camp for further questioning, but they find themselves in a precarious situation with the site’s security personnel. This encounter reveals underlying tensions in the community and adds urgency to their investigation.

A flashback illustrates a moment between Natalie and Matt that spirals into tragedy. Their intimacy is violently interrupted by Matt's coworkers, showcasing the toxic atmosphere that ultimately leads to Natalie's desperate escape and consequential death.

In a chaotic scene at Matt's trailer, Jane attempts to take control of the situation but is thrown back by a shotgun blast. This triggers a violent gunfight, leading to casualties among the Tribal Police and revealing the high stakes involved in their pursuit of justice.

Cory confronts Pete, the man who assaulted Natalie, in a dramatic standoff on a mountain. Forced to experience the bitter cold, Pete is cornered into confessing his crimes, showcasing the lengths to which Cory will go for justice.

After the chaos, Cory finds himself in the hospital alongside Jane, where they share a moment of mutual grief. This interaction illustrates the emotional toll of their experiences and their shared commitment to seek justice for Natalie.

The film concludes at Martin Hanson's home as Cory offers his condolences. Martin, adorned in traditional death paint, expresses his need to mourn the loss of his daughter, culminating in a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding missing Native American women.