Texas Rancher Advocates for Plant-Based Future

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Rowdy Girl
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 12m
Director(s): Jason Goldman
Where To Watch: opens at DCTV in New York on May 31, 2024, and at Laemmle Monica in Los Angeles on June 7

RAVING REVIEW: Jason Goldman’s ROWDY GIRL is a stirring journey that shows how a conventional Texas cattle ranch transforms into an animal refuge, telling a broader story of ethical awakening and sustainable living. The documentary unfolds in Waelder, Texas, where Renee King-Sonnen and her husband, Tommy Sonnen, break away from their past as beef producers to advocate for veganism and animal rights.

The film ultimately does more than document this journey and the owners’ newfound views—it advocates, challenges, and inspires. Through sweeping visuals of free-roaming animals across vast Texan plains, ROWDY GIRL contrasts starkly with the darker undertones of the couple’s former life, illustrating a vivid before-and-after that captivates and educates. While I didn’t leave the film deciding to lead a vegan lifestyle, I did gain an appreciation for their journey and their passion for their goal.

Goldman’s directorial approach is as unassuming as effective, allowing Renee and Tommy’s transformations to speak for themselves and not being forced. The couple’s journey from industry participants to vegan trailblazers is intertwined with the broader implications of societal and industrial norms concerning meat consumption and animal welfare. This documentary navigates these complex themes with personal storytelling and finesse, ensuring the audience is engaged but not overwhelmed.

The Rowdy Girl Sanctuary (RGS) is at the heart of ROWDY GIRL, named after a cow that altered Renee’s perspective on animal consciousness. This transformation from viewing animals as mere commodities to recognizing their sentience is portrayed through narratives and in the respectful depiction of these animals’ new lives. Each frame of the film invites the audience to reconsider their views on animals and the ethics of consumption.

The film’s genuineness is heightened by Renee’s candid recounting of her past life and her transition toward animal advocacy. This personal angle and passion behind it deepens the film’s impact and broadens its appeal. Renee’s establishment of the Rancher Advocacy Program is a testament to her dedication to change, providing a roadmap for other ranchers inclined towards humane and sustainable practices.

As ROWDY GIRL prepares for a wider release, it stands poised to catalyze discussion and change. The film is positioned at the intersection of agriculture, ethics, and environmental sustainability. It is a call to action urging viewers to reconsider their role in a system that impacts animal welfare and the health of our planet.

ROWDY GIRL is essential for anyone interested in the crossroads of ethical agriculture, environmental stewardship, and animal rights. It is a poignant narrative of change, not just for the individuals it portrays but for anyone who sees it. With its compelling blend of personal redemption, ethical debate, and environmental advocacy, ROWDY GIRL promises to resonate with you long after the credits roll, inspiring actions and discussions that could redefine the future of farming and our relationship with the animals we share on this planet. This film is not just a window into a different way of life; it’s a mirror reflecting our choices and their impacts on the world around us.

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[photo courtesy of ARGOT PICTURES]

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