MEEK’S CUTOFF (2010)
Directed by Kelly Reichardt
104 minutes
"Oregon, 1845. Three pioneer families in covered wagons are making the treacherous journey west led by Stephen Meek when they realize he no longer knows the way. Is Meek incompetent, or is this sabotage? That question soon becomes the least of their worries as their water supplies dwindle and a Native American man is discovered following them, eventually to be taken prisoner. Isolated from the men's deliberations, the three women (Shirley Henderson, Michelle Williams, and Zoe Kazan) are tasked not only with maintaining a sense of normality in the face of a harrowing trip, but also transporting a certain form of civilization, as they move precious heirlooms across the country. The first (and to date, only) period piece in Reichardt's filmography, MEEK'S CUTOFF finds her every bit as comfortable working in this mode." –Hannah Greenberg