‘First Cow’ is a Quiet Delight
It beautifully cuts through the noise of our modern lives.
First Cow follows the story of ‘Cookie,’ a talented cook, and King-Lu, an entrepreneurial Chinese immigrant, who form an unlikely friendship and business in the Oregon Territory.
This film is gloriously quiet and slow. Honestly, when it first started, I kept fidgeting around and reaching for my phone — I wanted more of an upbeat movie. I wanted more noise and more action. But after I grabbed some snacks and took a few moments to breathe, I was able to settle in for this slow-paced experience. First Cow is definitely one of those films that you must be in the mood to watch, otherwise, you will absolutely hate it.
Every element of the film made me feel as though I was transported back in time. There’s little music, making me feel as though I had been left in the woods, listening to the babbling of a brook or the chirping of insects. The camera stays largely stationary, the action has to come into the frame, which somehow makes each scene even more special.
The aspect ratio makes this film feel older and cramped. It creates a glorious juxtaposition — as characters are talking of expansion and opportunity, I felt cramped by the two black bars on the side of my TV screen. The odd duo is worried about missing out on the opportunity out west, and I felt as though…
