Our ‘Montana Story’ review was first published as part of our Toronto International Film Festival 2021 coverage.

Where to watch: ‘Montana Story’ opens this Friday, May 13th at the Landmark in West Los Angeles and AMC Sunset 5.

Extending an olive branch of forgiveness proves difficult when the past feels impossible to confront in Scott McGehee and David Siegel’s Montana Story. A story of radical acceptance set on the vast Americana plains (with a similar aesthetic to this year’s Best Picture winner Nomadland), Montana Story is a richly layered familial drama that will leave audiences thinking about the importance of making amends before it’s too late.

Estranged half-siblings Erin (Haley Lu Richardson) and Cal (Owen Teague) are forced to make overdue reconciliations when they end up face-to-face with one another at their family ranch to be with their dying father, with whom both have complicated relationships. The distressing circumstances of the occasion do not make for an ideal reunion; the presence of a hospice nurse (Gilbert Owuor) is hard to accept and the added stress of impending bankruptcy has Cal on edge, but the unconditional love that binds a family together proves too strong to break as brother and sister work to make amends, better late than never.

The sweeping Montana skyline is the backdrop to on-the-ground resentment and heartache and is wonderfully crafted by directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel, photographed by cinematographer Giles Nuttgens, and further illustrated through editor Isaac Hagy’s keen eye for dramatic storytelling. The juxtaposition between the beautiful and ethereal nature of the environment and the gritty emotional distress of its lead actors in Teague and Richardson gives the film palpable tension. Both young actors give compelling and complex performances that will tug on your heartstrings throughout the duration of its nearly two-hour runtime and will reward you with a smile at the end.

Set to an original score by singer/songwriter Kevin Morby, Montana Story is, at its core, a film about embracing change and encouraging personal growth. Let go of the resentment that no longer serves you and focus on the beauty of life in the present moment. Because once that moment passes, we can’t get it back.