Roger Ebert Handed Rare Perfect Scores to Movies Featuring Yellowstone’s Biggest Stars
When Yellowstone first exploded onto TV screens, few could have predicted just how far its stars would rise. Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Kelly Reilly have all become household names thanks to their unforgettable roles in the Dutton family saga. But beyond the sweeping ranch wars of Montana, the show’s cast has also left their mark on Hollywood cinema — and in two cases, their work caught the eye of one of the most legendary film critics of all time: Roger Ebert.
Kelly Reilly’s Forgotten Gem: Flight
For many fans, Kelly Reilly is inseparable from her fiery portrayal of Beth Dutton, the sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal daughter of John Dutton. But before she was stealing every scene in Yellowstone, Reilly starred opposite Denzel Washington in the gripping 2012 drama Flight.
The film tells the story of Whip Whitaker (Washington), a commercial airline pilot who miraculously lands a failing plane, saving nearly all of its passengers. What begins as a tale of heroism soon unravels into a deeply personal examination of addiction, denial, and redemption. Reilly’s character, Nicole Maggen, is a recovering addict who crosses paths with Whip as both struggle to navigate sobriety and the heavy weight of their past mistakes.
Although Flight was well-reviewed and even earned two Academy Award nominations, many critics stopped short of calling it one of the year’s very best. Roger Ebert, however, disagreed. The iconic critic gave the film his highest possible rating: four stars.
In his review, Ebert praised Washington for his “brave and tortured performance,” noting it was among the actor’s greatest achievements. He also spotlighted Reilly’s contribution, highlighting the emotional authenticity she brought to her role. Together, Washington and Reilly delivered a raw, nearly flawless character study that Ebert believed elevated Flight far above its peers.
Kevin Costner’s Cinematic Triumph: Dances with Wolves
Kelly Reilly isn’t the only Yellowstone star to share this rare honor. Long before he became the patriarch of the Dutton empire, Kevin Costner directed and starred in the sweeping 1990 epic Dances with Wolves.
The film follows Union soldier John J. Dunbar, who finds himself living among a Lakota tribe during the Civil War. Over time, he learns their language, embraces their culture, and eventually joins them in defending their home against encroaching forces. The movie’s exploration of Native American life and its critical eye on American expansionism made it groundbreaking for its era.
Ebert hailed Dances with Wolves as “one of the best Westerns” he had ever seen, a sweeping epic that redefined the genre and presented a fresh cultural perspective rarely depicted on the big screen at the time. The film went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner, cementing its place in cinematic history.
What These Perfect Scores Mean for Yellowstone Fans
The fact that both Reilly and Costner — two of the anchors of Yellowstone — starred in films that earned perfect reviews from Roger Ebert speaks volumes about the caliber of talent driving the hit series.
For Reilly, Flight remains an underrated gem that showcases her ability to handle complex, vulnerable characters long before she embraced the sharp edges of Beth Dutton. For Costner, Dances with Wolves was not just a movie but a cultural milestone that continues to influence how Westerns are told on screen.
Together, these films highlight why Yellowstone resonates so powerfully. Its stars bring with them decades of cinematic weight, critical acclaim, and performances that left even the toughest film critic in awe.
The Bigger Picture
As Yellowstone moves toward its conclusion and fans await upcoming spin-offs, these reminders of its stars’ past achievements only add to the show’s cultural weight. Ebert’s rare four-star ratings for Flight and Dances with Wolves underline a truth many already know: the actors who bring the Dutton family to life aren’t just television stars — they’re world-class performers with legacies that extend far beyond Montana’s ranchlands.