Wild Indian

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Being this an Indigenous film and a feature directorial debut for Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr., I really didn't know what to expect. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. Wild Indian takes a tragic, dark moment in an early phase of two characters' lives and follows an unconventional path to demonstrate how surprising someone's future can be, especially considering the younger-self personality. Everyone changes parts of themselves throughout life, even more during childhood and teenage years.

Despite the overall slow pacing - slower than what I believe to be necessary - an efficient "twist" instantly raises the level of interest in the main narrative, which takes a while to overcome the fundamental yet formulaic character build-up. Then, Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer bring their A-game, delivering engaging performances that kept me invested in the story. Greyeyes might portray the protagonist and have more screentime, but Spencer steals the spotlight with an emotionally devastating display.

A solid debut from a writer-director to put an eye on during the next year, but I can't escape my main issue with the central character. Even though I fully understand the commentary that Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. successfully transmits to the viewers about so many important matters, I couldn't connect with the protagonist, much on the contrary. It's a frustrating feeling to have, but I find Greyeyes' character extremely unlikeable not only due to his actions in the past but mainly his attitude in the present. In addition to this, Jesse Eisenberg's casting choice feels out-of-place and weird, to say the least.

Beautifully shot by Eli Born.

Wild Indian is a strong feature directorial debut from Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr., who I recommend following closely for the next few years. Boasting a compelling narrative, Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer take the viewers through a dark, emotional journey of understanding that life isn't always fair and that making amends only works for people who can actually feel guilt or remorse. Both actors offer notable performances, but it's Spencer who really impacts me at an emotional level, elevating the only character I truly cared about. On the other hand, the protagonist is an incredibly unlikeable person who tries his hardest to forget the tragic past through deplorable actions. Jesse Eisenberg sadly sticks out like a sore thumb. The short runtime partially compensates for the slow pacing, but overall I still had a good time.

Rating: B-

The subject matter of this movie is EXTREMELY important. Unfortunately, this plays more like a fictional documentary by a dispassionate observer, moves extremely slow, lacks character development, and never provides access for the audience to feel what fundamentally motivates the characters.

In the hands of a nascent writer/director, the story was not fully and cogently developed. This is made even more dissapointing by the fact that the writer/director is the child of a psychologist -- and the essential psychological elements were repressed, undeveloped, and never explicitly expressed in the story. I can only imagine that this reflects the writer/director's own personal predicament in life -- unhealed.

Showing what happens is not nearly as engaging, emotive, and inspiring of compassion and empathy as exploring the fundamental reasons WHY it happens. Abstract causality merely conveys confusion on the part of the film maker -- perhaps reflecting his own unresolved confusion about life on the res.

I can see where non-native viewers may not understand the narrative. As an Indian I felt it on a cellular-level. After generations of trauma and violence to our people, one cannot escape the effects that are with you everyday. Of course each person is affected to varying degrees. I thought all the actors did a great job. Thanks to everyone who made this film possible. The history, stories and lives of native peoples need to be told. This is just one story. Looking forward to seeing more work from the writer/director.

You have to watch this movie with a mindset of all native american history. It's the story of survival, how one individual with a certain cultural heritage maneuvers through life as not only a victim of the system but also the broken home. Lines are drawn between human beings and ultimately what it means to survive. What does it mean to be indian? This movie paints a gritty picture that is both meaningful and interesting! One conversation in particular in this movie was breathtaking. Try and spot it.

Abused Makwa grows up on a troubled Reservation in Wisconsin with his cousin Teddo in the 80s. Over three decades later they meet again and the contrast is glaring. Michael Greyeyes and Chaske Spencer head the cast while Jesse Eisenberg and Kate Bosworth have peripheral roles.

"Wild Indian" (2021) is a slow burn drama about modern AmerIndians and the challenges of life on a Reservation, plus the ins & outs of life beyond. It has the melancholy, mundane tone of "Leo" (2002), "The Woodsman" (2004) and "First Snow" (2006). Although it may not be on the level of "Woodsman," it's arguably superior to the other two.

Writer/director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. Grew up on Reservations in Wisconsin & Minnesota so the movie obviously depicts things that he witnessed. He respects the intelligence of the viewer without spelling things out. It's a mixture of glaring clarity and vagueness that provokes you to reflect and put the pieces together.

What's going on with a certain character at the beach at the end? I'm part Abenaki and perfectly understand what was going on because I've done the same thing, but you don't have to be any particular race/tribe to relate.

The film runs 1 hour, 30 minutes, and was shot in Oklahoma with bits done in SoCal.

GRADE: B.