Wind River 2017

Action

Drama

Mystery

Thriller

Crime

Box Office

$44M

Runtime

107 min

Language

English

Directed by

Taylor Sheridan

Made by

Voltage Pictures

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Wind River (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The film begins on a frigid night in the isolated Wyoming Wilderness, specifically on the Wind River Indian Reservation. We witness Natalie Hanson, an 18-year-old Native American woman, fleeing barefoot through the snow, filled with terror as she glances back, setting a haunting tone as the opening credits roll.

Transitioning to the next scene, we meet Cory Lambert, played by Jeremy Renner, who is currently dressed in full white camouflage as he hunts a wolf. A dedicated hunter for the Fish and Wildlife Department, Cory is tasked with eliminating predatory animals in the region. As the narrative unfolds, we learn that he is a father but has faced the tragedy of losing his daughter at a young age, a shadow that looms over his character.

While engaged in one of his hunts, Cory stumbles upon a shocking discovery—the body of a young woman, identified later as Natalie. Her lifeless form is partially hidden in snow, devoid of shoes and showing signs of severe frostbite and a significant head injury. He promptly informs the Reservation Tribal Police, leading to a notification of Natalie’s heartbroken parents, Martin and Annie Hanson.

Cory stays behind with Ben (Graham Greene), the Tribal Police chief, as they await the arrival of FBI Agent Jane Banner played by Elizabeth Olsen, amidst a fierce snowstorm. Together, they journey to the grim scene where Natalie’s body was found. It’s determined that the incident is a homicide, though shocking revelations about her tragic death soon surface: she was assaulted, ultimately succumbing to the elements as her lungs filled with frigid air.

Determined to seek justice, Jane, Cory, and Ben visit a dilapidated dwelling associated with Sam Littlefeather, a known drug den. The encounter escalates dramatically when they are met with gunfire; Cory successfully subdues Chip Hanson, Natalie’s brother, while Jane pursues Sam. In a tense exchange, Sam is shot and killed. Interviews unravel more mysteries, revealing that Natalie had a boyfriend named Matt Rayburn, who worked as a security guard at local oil drilling sites.

As the narrative deepens, Cory tracks snowmobile trails leading from Sam’s house. This trail leads them to a chilling discovery—the decaying body of Matt, only partially buried in snow, a grim reminder of the pervasive violence in the area. Subsequently, Jane, Ben, and other local deputies venture to the oil drilling camp for further inquiry, only to find themselves in a precarious situation with the security personnel, hinting at underlying tensions.

We delve into a haunting flashback where Matt is seen interacting with Natalie, ultimately leading to tragic events that ensue as their moment of intimacy is violently interrupted by Matt’s coworkers, culminating in Natalie’s anguished escape, which ultimately leads to her untimely death.

In the present, Jane attempts to assert control over the situation at Matt’s trailer, but violence erupts when a shotgun blast sends her flying back. What follows is a chaotic gunfight resulting in casualties among the Tribal Police. Amid the chaos, Cory emerges as an unexpected ally, his intervention shifts the tide as he confronts the men responsible.

In a riveting climax, Cory confronts Pete, the man who assaulted Natalie, leading to a tense moment on a mountain. Pete is given an ultimatum, compelled to confess under the grim reality of the conditions Cory sets for him. After forcing Pete to experience the harshness of the cold, the audience is left with a chilling acknowledgment of the brutality faced by Natalie.

The concluding scenes feature Cory in the hospital conversing with Jane, their shared grief evident. The film culminates at Martin Hanson’s home, where Cory offers solace. Martin, adorned in traditional death paint, expresses his need to mourn as they share a poignant moment of remembrance. In a final, striking message, the screen reveals that alarming statistics on missing Native American women remain tragically overlooked, a somber reminder of the silence surrounding these cases.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Wind River (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Characters

Explore all characters from Wind River (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Cory Lambert

Cory is a skilled tracker and a dedicated father, haunted by the loss of his daughter. His experiences have ingrained a deep sense of responsibility to protect others, driving him to seek justice for Natalie despite the emotional turmoil he endures.

🕵️‍♂️ Tracker 😔 Grieving Father

FBI Agent Jane Banner

An earnest and determined agent, Jane seeks to bring justice to Natalie’s death while navigating a challenging and hostile environment. Her commitment to the case reveals her strength and vulnerability as she confronts both personal and professional obstacles.

👮‍♀️ Investigator 💪 Strong-willed

Ben

As the Tribal Police chief, Ben embodies the struggles of law enforcement in a rural setting. His relationship with Cory is vital, as they both face the emotional and procedural challenges that arise in their search for truth regarding Natalie’s death.

👮‍♂️ Police Chief 🤝 Ally

Natalie Hanson

Natalie is a tragic figure whose life was cut short by violence. Her story resonates throughout the film, shedding light on the broader issue of missing Indigenous women and the consequences of neglect and injustice.

💔 Victim 🏽 Indigenous Woman

Setting

Learn where and when Wind River (2017) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film is set in a modern-day context, yet it highlights the long-standing issues faced by Native American communities, particularly in relation to crime and violence. This contemporary setting serves to illuminate ongoing struggles that have been neglected for years.

Location

Wyoming Wilderness, Wind River Indian Reservation

The Wyoming Wilderness, known for its breathtaking landscapes and harsh, frigid climates, serves as the backdrop for this gripping story. The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to a close-knit Native American community grappling with various social issues, including the underreported violence against its women.

🏞️ Nature 🌾 Indigenous Peoples

Themes

Discover the main themes in Wind River (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

⚖️

Justice

The pursuit of justice is a central theme, as characters navigate a world where law enforcement often fails to provide support. Cory, Jane, and Ben's relentless search for answers underscores the broader societal neglect of Native American issues, driving the narrative forward.

💔

Loss

Loss permeates the story, from Cory's personal tragedy of losing his daughter to the community's grief over Natalie. Each character's heartache fuels their determination to find closure, illustrating the pervasive impact of violence on their lives.

🌨️

Survival

Survival against the elements is a critical aspect, reflecting both the physical struggle to endure the harsh environment and the emotional resilience needed to confront traumas. The relentless cold symbolizes the chilling reality that the characters face, both literally and figuratively.

Wind River Ending Explained

Unravel the ending of Wind River (2017) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.

At the end of *Wind River*, the film underscores the harsh reality of injustice and the indifference faced by Native American women. Although Lambert and Banner expose the truth about the violence inflicted on Natalie and Matt—including the sexual assault and brutal murder—the story reveals how little is actually done to prevent these tragedies. When Lambert lets Pete go and simply encourages him to run, it symbolizes a form of acceptance rather than revenge, reflecting the movie’s meditation on fate and the natural order. Lambert’s act of releasing Pete, who shortly dies from pulmonary hemorrhage, echoes the idea that some aspects of life are dictated by forces beyond human control—fate and nature. The film suggests that although individuals can seek justice or closure, the larger system often remains unresponsive, leaving many victims’ cases unresolved and forgotten. The haunting truth that Native American women are disproportionately missing or murdered underscores a painful societal neglect—despite the efforts of those like Lambert and Banner, justice remains elusive for many. Ultimately, *Wind River* is a somber story of loss, acceptance, and the unyielding power of nature and fate, which continue to shape human lives long after the crime is committed. It reminds us that some truths are impossible to fully uncover or rectify, and that the universe often takes its own course, indifferent to human suffering.

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