First Cow

| 2019

Directed by: Kelly Reichardt

Movie poster for First Cow (2019)

Main Plot

First Cow follows the journey of a skilled cook named Cookie who, while traveling in the Oregon Territory during the early 19th century, forms an unlikely friendship with a Chinese immigrant named King-Lu. Together, they navigate the challenges of frontier life and the harsh realities of their environment. When they discover a wealthy landowner's prized cow, they hatch a plan to secretly milk it at night to create delicious baked goods. Their entrepreneurial venture quickly gains popularity among the local trappers and settlers, leading to unexpected success. However, as they thrive, the risks of their illicit operation grow, putting their friendship and dreams in jeopardy. The film explores themes of friendship, survival, and the pursuit of happiness against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America.

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 First Cow, the ending unfolds as the tension between the main characters, Cookie and King-Lu, reaches a critical point. After successfully using the cow to produce and sell their baked goods, they face increasing scrutiny and competition from the local community and a wealthy landowner. The climax occurs when Cookie and King-Lu's operation is discovered, leading to a desperate escape. In the final scenes, Cookie is fatally wounded during their flight, leaving King-Lu to confront the harsh reality of their situation alone. The film concludes with King-Lu reflecting on their dreams and the fleeting nature of their success. He ultimately decides to leave the area, symbolizing the loss of their shared aspirations and the harshness of survival in a rapidly changing world. The ending encapsulates the central themes of friendship, ambition, and the impact of capitalism, highlighting how fleeting opportunities can be in the face of societal pressures. The cow, once a symbol of hope and prosperity, becomes a reminder of their struggles and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a better life. The narrative closes on a somber note, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of their journey and the inevitability of loss.

Kelly Reichardt Drama Western Alia Shawkat John Magaro Dylan Smith