It’s the story of a brother and sister torn apart by domestic violence who end up coming to terms with their father’s serious medical condition and the decisions that evolve from it.
Set against a western background, the film covers a lot in nearly two hours run time as we see first hand the impact of seeing a father failing has on both children. Right away we get a glimpse that something is not right from the first time the son sees both father and sister as well as the emotional turmoil the sister faces when she finally sees their father.
The cast includes Edge of Seventeen‘s Haley Lu Richardson as Erin, the runaway sister who just wants to pay her respects and not be reminded of the past as well as It: Chapter 2′s Owen Teague who assumes the more mature role as the sibling that stuck around despite apparent abuse. All in all this movie and the two emotional roles that both Richardson and Teague must step into is done in such a way that one is truly invested from the first moment on.
The film also adds an element of connection between sister and brother in the fate of an aging horse that they must decide what is to become of the beloved animal that they had grown up with. It is that heart-wrenching decision that ultimately drives the film as they move from scene to scene, intensifying in what the ultimate outcome will be.
Ultimately Montana Story is a film for a true movie addict especially if one wants a little drama and suspense to set the stage. Though one might argue the storyline could drag a bit especially in the beginning, all and all it does paint an intriguing story about what emotions families face when dealing with ailing loved ones and even more when that loved one did so many terrible things in the past. It begs the question: is family that deep to forgive and accept.
Montana Story is currently playing in a theater near you and is perfect for anyone who needs a little family drama in their lives.