Clash and Convergence Under Montana Skies

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Somewhere in Montana
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Brandon Smith
Writer(s): Brandon Smith
Cast: Graham McTavish, Matt Drago, Michelle Hurd, Jonathan Stoddard, Kate Orsini, Kaleigh Macchio, Melanie Rae Wendt, Andrew Roa, Jared Broxterman, Michael Monks, William Scott Brown, Mick Szal, Tashia Gates
Where To Watch: debuts in select theaters January 10, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Under the expansive skies, SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA explores a compelling tale that merges the untamed beauty of nature with the meta aspects of filmmaking. This narrative binds the destinies of two men from worlds apart, each wrestling with their entrenched ideals in the rugged backdrop of Big Sky Country.

Graham McTavish plays John Alexander, a dedicated rancher whose life is as entangled with his land as the grasses of the prairies. His financial woes push him to form an unlikely alliance with a visiting film crew led by the ambitious and sophisticated director Fabian, played by Matt Drago. This contrast sets the scene for a compelling exploration of their conflicting worlds and the bridges they must build.

Brandon Smith directs this film with a keen eye for the emotional undercurrents that flow through the story. He leverages Montana's grandeur not merely as a backdrop but as a central focus in its own right, reflecting the inner turmoil and alliances formed in the shadow of the mountains. This integration of setting and story enhances the film's gravity, making the land a silent witness to the unfolding human drama.

The performances in SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA are nothing short of surprising. McTavish delivers a multifaceted portrayal of Alexander, blending ruggedness with vulnerability in a stoic resolve. Drago, as Fabian, captures the essence of an innovative director torn between his artistic ambitions and the stark realities of the film industry. The cast navigates the complex terrain of creative and personal integrity with finesse, supported by Michelle Hurd's grounding presence as Kat, a woman on a mission to unite these worlds.

The sweeping landscapes of Glacier National Park serve as a canvas that amplifies the story’s themes of solitude and endurance. Smith's directorial eye ensures that these visuals are not just aesthetic but integral to the narrative, enhancing the story’s thematic depth by juxtaposing the characters’ emotional landscapes with their physical ones.

Despite its strengths, SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA encounters some pacing issues, sometimes wandering through its plot with predictability that detracts from its overall impact. A critical plot twist, intended to be a key pivot, instead feels somewhat forced, leaving the storyline's intensity somewhat compromised. The film tackles themes that resonate on a universal level, such as the enduring human struggle to maintain one's core identity amidst change. It reflects on the power of understanding and compromise.

SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA weaves a tale that is as much about the world as the people who inhabit it. The film challenges viewers to consider the balance between change and tradition, leaving an impact that invites reflection long after the final scene.

Directed by Smith, SOMEWHERE IN MONTANA surpasses its story of cultural clash to invite viewers to ponder the web of human connections. It is a journey through the trials of human resilience and the power of empathy, anchored by the spirit of the landscapes it so beautifully portrays.

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[photo courtesy of NOVA VENTO ENTERTAINMENT]

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