Taylor Sheridan’s gripping 2017 thriller Wind River has found new life on Netflix, surging into the streamer’s global Top 10 list more than eight years after its theatrical debut. Known for creating the Yellowstone universe, Sheridan delivers here a taut mystery that doubles as a chilling commentary on life in the modern American West.

And leading the charge? Two familiar Marvel veterans — Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) and Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlet Witch) — reuniting in performances that showcase their range far beyond the MCU.

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A Mystery in the Frozen Wilds

Wind River is set against the stark, snow-swept backdrop of the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Renner plays Cory Lambert, a tracker and wildlife officer who discovers the body of a young Indigenous woman in the wilderness. Olsen’s character, FBI Special Agent Jane Banner, is dispatched to investigate, enlisting Lambert’s help to navigate the terrain — and the community.

What starts as a standard crime investigation quickly becomes a harrowing exploration of violence, grief, and justice in a landscape both breathtaking and brutal.

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Fast-Paced, Thoughtful, and Unsettling

Unlike many thrillers that take their time building suspense, Wind River wastes no time. Within minutes, Lambert makes the shocking discovery, and Banner arrives to lead the investigation. The movie moves quickly, but never at the expense of depth. Sheridan’s script balances sharp plotting with an unflinching look at systemic issues, particularly the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.

Cinematographer Ben Richardson (known for Beasts of the Southern Wild) captures the Wyoming wilderness with haunting beauty — vast snowfields, icy winds, and the sense of isolation that mirrors the emotional weight of the story.

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Renner and Olsen Shine Outside the MCU

Renner and Olsen may be most recognizable for their Marvel alter-egos, but in Wind River, they deliver some of their strongest dramatic work.

• Renner embodies Lambert with quiet intensity — a man shaped by personal tragedy, using his tracking skills to guide the investigation while wrestling with his own grief.

• Olsen surprises as Banner, initially out of her depth in the harsh Wyoming environment but quickly proving herself determined, resilient, and fiercely empathetic.

Together, their dynamic elevates the film beyond a standard whodunit.

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Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise

Wind River scored big with critics on release, earning an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers praised its “smart writing,” “character-driven storytelling,” and Sheridan’s ability to balance suspense with substance. Audience reactions were even stronger, with a current 90% score from viewers.

While its theatrical run brought in a respectable $45 million against an $11 million budget, it’s on streaming where Wind River has found its widest audience. Now that it’s on Netflix, the film is enjoying a resurgence, recently climbing into the platform’s Top 5 most-watched movies.

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Why You Should Add Wind River to Your Watchlist

At its core, Wind River is more than just a thriller — it’s a haunting exploration of justice, survival, and resilience in overlooked parts of America. For fans of Yellowstone, it’s a glimpse into Sheridan’s signature style before he built his television empire. For everyone else, it’s a tense, beautifully made, and unforgettable mystery anchored by two powerful performances.

If you missed Wind River in theaters or during its Prime Video run, now’s the perfect time to stream it on Netflix. Just be prepared — this isn’t just edge-of-your-seat suspense. It’s a story that lingers long after the credits roll.