Watch Montana Story

Montana Story is a 2021 film that revolves around two estranged siblings, Alex and Maisie, who reunite after a decade of being apart to deal with their father's health issues. The film is directed and written by Scott McGehee and David Siegel and stars Haley Lu Richardson, Owen Teague, and Gilbert Owuor. The film opens with Alex (Owen Teague), a wildlife conservationist, who lives in Montana, where he works with his girlfriend on preserving the wilderness amidst the threats of climate change. On the other hand, Maisie (Haley Lu Richardson) is a Los Angeles-based actor who visits her home state, Montana, to see her father, who has Alzheimer's. Both siblings haven't kept in touch, and as they meet each other for the first time in a decade, they are both awkward and unsure of how to communicate with one another.

As the story progresses, we get to see how the siblings' childhood trauma and emotional baggage influence their present-day lives. Alex is hesitant to deal with his father's illness, whereas Maisie can't come to grasp with the fact that her father doesn't even recognize her. The struggle of dealing with their father's illness forces them to confront their past, and they both learn to reconcile their differences.

One of the highlights of Montana Story is how beautifully it showcases the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, which are used as a metaphor for the siblings' emotional landscape. The film's cinematography is stunning, and the director duo has captured the beauty of Montana's wilderness, the vast blue skies, and the glowing sunsets.

The film's acting performances are also outstanding, especially that of Haley Lu Richardson, who plays the role of Maisie. Her character adds the much-needed warmth and whimsy to the film, and her interactions with her father bring a sense of tenderness and empathy to the story. Owen Teague's portrayal of Alex is also noteworthy, as he brings a sense of quiet intensity to the character.

Gilbert Owuor, who is relatively unknown, plays the role of a Kenyan park ranger, who Alex and his girlfriend meet on their conservation mission. His character adds an element of diversity to the film and represents a refreshing change from the usual white-dominated narratives.

Montana Story's soundtrack is another bright spot in the film. It features an eclectic mix of songs ranging from indie-folk to bluegrass, and the soundtrack complements the film's themes of connection, nature, and homecoming.

The film's pacing is slow, and it might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the slow pace works in favor of the film, as it allows the viewer to delve deeper into the character's psyche and feel invested in their experiences.

Montana Story is a heartwarming film that explores the themes of family, identity, and homecoming. The film is more about the journey than the destination, and it sends a poignant message about how confronting our past is the only way to move forward in life. Montana Story is an excellent example of independent cinema at its best, and it's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates poignant storytelling, stunning cinematography, and powerful acting.

Montana Story is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 73.