From Yellowstone to the Big Screen

Kelly Reilly, best known for her ruthless and unpredictable portrayal of Beth Dutton in Yellowstone, has captivated audiences with her intensity. While fans follow the Dutton family’s struggles in Montana, they are rediscovering Reilly’s earlier film work. One standout role comes in the 2012 Denzel Washington drama Flight, which earned rare praise from the late legendary critic Roger Ebert.

Set against the backdrop of high-stakes aviation, Flight explores the story of Whip Whitaker (Washington), a skilled yet troubled pilot. After saving a plane full of passengers from disaster, Whip is thrust into the spotlight. His heroism is admired by the public, but his personal demons and past mistakes soon come under scrutiny. Reilly plays Nicole Maggen, a woman whose path crosses Whip’s through shared struggles with addiction, creating a nuanced and compelling dynamic onscreen.

---

Ebert’s Rare Praise

While Flight received generally positive reviews and earned two Academy Award nominations, it was never universally hailed as the best movie of 2012. Roger Ebert, however, saw something exceptional. Awarding the film a perfect four stars, Ebert praised Washington for delivering a “brave and tortured performance,” calling it one of the actor’s finest roles.

Ebert also acknowledged Reilly’s contribution, highlighting the authenticity and chemistry she brought to her role opposite Washington. He described the film as “nearly flawless,” making it a standout in both Reilly’s and Washington’s careers. It’s rare for Ebert to award such high marks, making Flight a must-watch for fans of the actors and the craft of acting itself.

---

Kelly Reilly’s Bold Performances

Reilly has consistently taken risks in her career, bringing depth and intensity to every role. On Yellowstone, her fearless portrayal of Beth Dutton includes moments of real danger—such as shooting a scene alongside live wolves. In Flight, she continues to demonstrate her ability to inhabit complex characters, showing vulnerability, resilience, and emotional depth.

The film explores themes of redemption, addiction, and moral complexity, all of which Reilly and Washington navigate masterfully. Her performance as Nicole is understated but impactful, providing a necessary emotional anchor for Whip’s turbulent journey.

---

Other Yellowstone Stars with Ebert Accolades

Interestingly, Reilly is not the only Yellowstone cast member to be recognized by Ebert. Kevin Costner, who leads the series as John Dutton, earned perfect marks for the 1990 epic Dances with Wolves. Costner both directed and starred in the film, portraying Union soldier John J. Dunbar. The story follows Dunbar as he befriends a Lakota tribe during the Civil War, ultimately joining them and defending their lands.

Ebert praised Dances with Wolves as “one of the best Westerns” he had ever seen. The film’s sweeping scope, moral exploration, and authentic depiction of Native American culture were groundbreaking for its time. The film also won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, cementing Costner’s legacy in both Western cinema and Hollywood history.

---

Why Flight Remains Essential Viewing

For fans of Yellowstone, Flight offers a chance to see Kelly Reilly in a different light—one that highlights her range and skill as a dramatic actor. The film’s exploration of flawed heroism, addiction, and redemption complements the intense emotional arcs of her television work.

Watching Flight now provides a new appreciation for Reilly’s craft and reminds audiences why her performances resonate long after the credits roll. Combined with the knowledge that Ebert, one of the most influential film critics of all time, awarded the film a perfect score, the movie stands as a testament to her talent and Washington’s unforgettable performance.