First Cow

Main Plot

"First Cow," directed by Kelly Reichardt, is a contemplative drama set in the early 19th century Pacific Northwest. The film follows the unlikely partnership between two men who come together to pursue a modest dream of economic success. They devise a plan to secretly milk a wealthy landowner's prized cow, the first and only cow in the territory, to create and sell delicious baked goods to the local settlers and trappers. Their venture quickly becomes popular, but the risks of their clandestine operation grow as they attract more attention. The narrative explores themes of friendship, survival, and the pursuit of the American Dream within the harsh realities of frontier life. It delves into the complexities of human connection and the moral ambiguities of their actions. The film's deliberate pacing and naturalistic style emphasize the characters' quiet resilience and the stark beauty of the wilderness. Through its intimate storytelling and rich visual detail, "First Cow" offers a poignant reflection on the bonds that form in the face of adversity and the fragile nature of dreams in a world driven by power and greed.

Characters

• Alia Shawkat plays a mysterious traveler who discovers the protagonists' hidden cow, indirectly influencing the story's climax and resolution.
• John Magaro plays Cookie Figowitz, a skilled cook who partners with a Chinese immigrant to steal milk from a wealthy landowner's cow, aiming to start a successful business.
• Dylan Smith plays a minor character, a trapper, who briefly interacts with the main protagonists, Cookie and King-Lu, highlighting the harsh realities of frontier life.

Ending Explained

In the final scenes, the two main characters, Cookie and King-Lu, find themselves in a precarious situation after their scheme of stealing milk from a wealthy landowner's cow to make and sell 'oily cakes' is discovered. As their success grows, so does the risk of being caught. The landowner, Chief Factor, becomes suspicious and eventually realizes the theft. Cookie and King-Lu decide to flee, knowing that their lives are in danger. Their escape is fraught with tension as they navigate through the dense forest, pursued by Chief Factor's men. Cookie, already injured from a previous altercation, struggles to keep up. The two find temporary refuge but are eventually cornered. In a poignant moment, they lie down together, exhausted and resigned to their fate. The film then cuts to an earlier scene where two skeletons are discovered, implying that Cookie and King-Lu did not survive their ordeal. The ending underscores the themes of friendship, survival, and the harsh realities of frontier life. The discovery of the skeletons serves as a somber reminder of their bond and the ultimate price they paid for their dreams. The film closes on this melancholic note, leaving a lasting impression of their brief, yet impactful, journey.