Wind River

Wind River

Year: 2017

Runtime: 107 min

Language: English

Director: Taylor Sheridan

ActionDramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In the harsh Wyoming wilderness, Fish & Wildlife agent Cory Lambert discovers a disturbing crime scene, initiating a perilous investigation. FBI agent Jane Banner, new to the field, is dispatched to lead the case, but quickly finds herself challenged by the unforgiving environment and the remote location. Together, they navigate a landscape of isolation and danger, uncovering a complex network of violence and long-held secrets as they seek justice and confront the brutal realities of survival.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Wind River yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Wind River (2017)

Trace every key event in Wind River (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Natalie's Frantic Escape

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.

Wyoming Wilderness, Wind River Indian Reservation
2

Cory Lambert's Hunting Quest

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.

3

Discovery of Natalie's Body

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.

Wyoming Wilderness
4

Informing the Hanson Family

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.

5

Arrival of FBI Agent Jane Banner

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.

6

Investigation at the Crime Scene

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.

Wyoming Wilderness
7

Confrontation at Sam Littlefeather's Place

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.

8

Unraveling More Mysteries

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.

9

Discovery of Matt's Body

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.

Wyoming Wilderness
10

Incident at the Oil Drilling Camp

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.

Oil Drilling Camp
11

Haunting Flashback

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.

12

Violent Climax at Matt's Trailer

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.

Matt's Trailer
13

Confrontation with Pete

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.

Mountain
14

Cory's Reflection in the Hospital

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.

Hospital
15

A Moment of Mourning

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.

Martin Hanson's Home

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:54

Unlock the Full Story of Wind River

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Wind River Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Wind River, 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.

Wind River Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wind River

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Wind River. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Wind River

Wind River Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Wind River? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Wind River Ending Explained

More About Wind River

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More About Wind River

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