Taylor Sheridan’s Gritty Thriller Finds New Life

Taylor Sheridan has already carved his name into television history with Yellowstone and its spinoffs, but his talents don’t stop there. Before becoming the powerhouse behind Paramount’s biggest dramas, Sheridan wrote and directed Wind River, a 2017 film that quietly earned critical acclaim but never reached the mainstream audience it deserved.

Now, thanks to Netflix, the film is finally getting its moment. With a stellar 87% Rotten Tomatoes score and a place in the platform’s U.S. Top Ten, millions of subscribers are discovering—or rediscovering—the haunting thriller. And for good reason: Wind River is one of Sheridan’s most emotionally powerful and socially resonant works.

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The Story That Stays With You

Set in the frozen, unforgiving landscape of Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation, the movie follows Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner), a U.S. Fish and Wildlife tracker, who stumbles upon the body of a murdered Native woman. Partnering with rookie FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen), Lambert digs deeper into a mystery that reveals the harsh realities of violence, grief, and survival in a neglected community.

What begins as a procedural murder case soon transforms into a gut-punch story about justice and resilience, told with Sheridan’s signature style: sharp dialogue, understated performances, and sudden bursts of brutal, uncompromising action.

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Critical Praise and Social Relevance

Upon release, critics praised the film’s atmosphere, intensity, and emotional weight. Mike Reyes gave it a four-out-of-five star review, noting Sheridan’s ability to balance suspense with storytelling that lingers well beyond the credits.

But Wind River isn’t just entertainment. It shines a light on the real-life crisis of violence against Indigenous women, an underreported issue that the film refuses to gloss over. By anchoring the narrative in this harsh truth, Sheridan adds a layer of social urgency that elevates the thriller above standard Hollywood fare.

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Why It Works on Netflix in 2025

Sheridan’s brand is stronger than ever. With Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, 1883, and 1923 cementing his reputation, fans are diving back into his earlier work to see the roots of his storytelling empire. Wind River is a perfect entry point.

Unlike glossy Hollywood thrillers, this movie is raw, unrefined, and honest. Sheridan uses the quiet stillness of Wyoming’s snowfields as a character in itself, creating an atmosphere that feels both isolating and suffocating. Combined with Renner’s restrained vulnerability and Olsen’s grit, the film grips viewers in a way that feels deeply personal.

It’s no surprise that audiences scrolling Netflix are drawn to it. Once you press play, Wind River doesn’t just entertain—it unsettles, challenges, and leaves you thinking long after the final scene.

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Sheridan’s Signature Style

Fans of Sheridan’s shows will recognize his trademarks here:

• Strong, complex characters forced to navigate impossible situations.

• Taut, no-nonsense dialogue that cuts straight to the bone.

• Bursts of shocking violence contrasted with moments of quiet humanity.

• A focus on land and community, showing how environment shapes identity.

All of these elements make Wind River not just another crime drama, but a Sheridan classic that set the stage for everything he has achieved since.

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Why You Should Watch It Now

If you’ve already binged Yellowstone and its spinoffs on Paramount+, Netflix has given you the chance to go back to Sheridan’s cinematic roots. Wind River is both a gripping murder mystery and a haunting meditation on grief and survival.

That 87% Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t just a number—it reflects how the film resonates across audiences and critics alike. Brutal, poignant, and unforgettable, Wind River proves why Sheridan remains one of the most important storytellers working today.

So, the next time you’re scrolling for something raw and real, skip the glossy thrillers. Hit play on Wind River. This is Sheridan at his best—unflinching, emotional, and absolutely worth your time.