Western wrapped in air of dread

With Meek’s Cutoff, director Kelly Reichardt has produced a slow burning parable of futility. Authentically realised and credibly acted, it combines the scale of an epic western with the intimate, private detail of a character study.

Set in Oregon in 1845, the film focuses on a small group of settlers attempting to cross a river, struggling against the chest-high waters, and holding their most valuable possessions over their heads.Their wagon train is heading ...