Montana Story is a character-driven film and it's refreshing and nuanced in the way writer-directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel handle the emotional heaviness of the material. Bolstered by a talented cast, Montana Story allows its drama and characters to sit in the stillness of their emotions and the simmering tension, exploring the complicated dynamics of family and finding closure.

Cal (Owen Teague) is back at his family’s ranch in Montana to care for his ailing father, who is now in a coma after a stroke, his time on Earth quickly running out. Judging by the way Cal barely interacts with him, however, it’s easy to see they had a strained relationship. Cal is surprised, but pleased, when older sister Erin (Haley Lu Richardson) returns home. She hated their father for reasons later revealed, but she wanted to see him one last time before he died. Erin can’t stand to be in the same room with her dad and hasn’t spoken to Cal in years after leaving the ranch behind at 18. Their estrangement is palpable, but there are moments of tenderness between them that recall how close they must have been before. Finally reunited, Cal aims to mend their relationship.


There isn’t all that much happening in Montana Story, but that isn't reason enough for audiences not to see it. The film takes its time unfolding its central story, that of the fraught relationship between its protagonists. While some may be turned off by its slow pacing, it proves to be perfect, giving time for the narrative to unfold, layering the characters' backstory and journeys ahead. It's a simple tale, but one that is cushioned by the deep feelings at its core, ones that ache and yearn, hurt and love. The sibling dynamic that gives Montana Story its beating heart is quite lovely, meaningful and complicated. For the first half of the film, it's a bit difficult to ascertain exactly why Erin and Cal are estranged, though it's obvious their abusive father had a role to play in creating this distance between two people who were once quite close.

The exploration of their relationship — its highs and its lows — is potent, laced with a tremendous amount of grief and longing for the return of the way things used to be between them. The film isn't so quick to explain the nature of their layered dynamic so much as it allows their interactions to play out organically before dropping the source of conflict. To that end, every conversation is crucial, painting a picture of what is happening while allowing the actors to convey the beautifully profound feelings their characters are experiencing. Montana Story is poignant in that way, taking its time to unpack all that there is between Cal and Erin without ever feeling contrived.


The film’s central premise is helped by the gorgeous shots of the Montana landscape, thanks to cinematographer Giles Nuttgens. The vastness of the rolling hills and the empty land makes the characters seem relatively small in comparison, but it also isolates them in their grief and pain, giving focus to their relationship and all of its complications. Montana Story is genuinely deep and made all the better by Richardson and Teague’s outstanding performances, their expressions, delivery, and body language showcasing the anguish, the unhealed wounds, and the underlying love their characters have for each other so well. Watching them is captivating. All told, McGehee and Siegel have crafted a dynamic, achingly beautiful story that is driven by its characters and is not one to miss.

Montana Story released in limited theaters May 13 and nationwide on May 27. The film is 114 minutes long and is rated R for language.