In 1820's Oregon, a skilled cook named Cookie (John Magaro) joined a group of fur trappers but gets bullied and ridiculed. He accidentally meets a Chinese guy King-Lu (Orion Lee), and over course of time become good friends starting a small business of selling biscuits to the townspeople. But the milk for that they steal every night from the sole cow belonged to the Chief Factor (Toby Jones). Can they keep the secret or run away in time gathering enough money somewhere they could expand business?
I have often said that slow-paced narrative very few times bother me, last time it was Blade Runner2049, and now First Cow. Though the difference this time is that I still ended up liking the movie. I understand certain films require slow pacing to set up the atmosphere, but here there are many scenes that are extended for no reason. Had they trimmed them properly, I think there was a case of this film working a hell lot more. Its only post 30 mins mark (yes you have to show that much patience) when the story actually begins to go in a direction I want it, i.e Cookie and Lu meeting for 2nd time at bar.
From there onwards, I was totally engaged into their conversations, the pace still was slow but it was much more interesting to see their dreams, their plans, the happiness to see their 1st batch of biscuits sell out within seconds. And ofcourse the greed to earn more, taking risks knowing very well where this may lead if get caught. In a way the film talks about the choices you must take depending on the kind of situation you are in, even if its bold and risky because if successful you would get good money. Not saying that stealing was right, but they were doing it only to get themselves enough money that may help in starting something new or a hotel business which Cookie wanted.
Lu is always the enthusiastic one out of both, while Cookie is reluctant and almost fears they are going too far with daily milk stealing. If Lu had listened for that night, maybe they both would be alive.. but its not easy let go an opportunity of easy money, besides the people were getting to eat tasty biscuits in exchange for money. One thing I didn't understand was whose house did Cookie stayed at when he got injured as when he asks he didn't get a reply, or it didn't matter and was just a random good person helping him out for few nights.
The ending tragic scene is emotional because you are rooting for both the men, you have by now got invested in their beautiful friendship that unfortunately is about to come to an end. Oh I totally like how slow this scene goes, building the tension of gun shots coming any time which don't come. But you know it happened, thanks to the opening scene of movie.
The cinematography is beautiful and also the production design always making you feel this is set in early 1800s.
My Rating : 7/10
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