Two men learn to confront a traumatic secret they share involving the savage murder of a schoolmate.
In “Wild Indian,” a character with self-loathing proclaims, “We are the descendants of cowards because anyone who was worth something died fighting.” This poignant message resonates along with other thoughtful words that look into the souls of contemporary Native Americans living in their Country. Writer/Director Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. grew up on reservations around Minnesota and Wisconsin and he spent years working on the screenplay that’s loosely based on personal experiences.
The film uniquely moves through time beginning in the settler days with a sick man looking to be in the final stages of Smallpox. In voiceover narration, he reflects on his life before the story jumps ahead to the 1980s. Makwa (Phoenix Wilson) is a teenager sneaking cigarettes in the woods after school and hiding his bruises caused by his abusive father. At school, the torment continues and he’s bullied by other students. His only friends are the school’s chaplain and his cousin Teddo (Julian Gopal).
One day while out in the woods, Makwa shoots and kills a classmate. It’s dark but feels inevitable since he’s stuck in a cycle of endless violence. Teddo is stunned by the act but helps him bury the body since his father’s rifle was used in the murder.
The story jumps ahead to 2019, Makwa (Michael Greyeyes) now living under the name Michael Peterson, is golfing on a pristine course off the Californian Coast. The name change isn’t the only identity crisis, he asks his timid co-worker Jerry (Jesse Eisenberg) if his ponytail is getting too long. Michael lives in a large modern home with his pregnant wife Greta (Kate Bosworth) and their infant son.
In a Dickensian manner, Teddo (Chaske Spencer), with a paw print tattoo, is released from prison. His transition back to the outside world is emotional and insightful to the difficulties of readjusting. I’ve seen Spencer in plenty of roles but this is an extraordinary performance and he’s able to be more than just a safe prop for a franchise.
Corbine Jr.’s focus on scars, bruises, smallpox, and wounds are physical reminders of the past and present calamities. In a pivotal scene, the district attorney mentions, due to suicides and abuse being common on a reservation, local law enforcement typically doesn’t investigate. Being a film and history lover I’ve disliked the narrow scope of Native representation and thankfully, “Wild Indian” is here and the big studios should follow suit.
“Wild Indian” premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, January 30th
