Meek's Cutoff

Michelle Williams reunites with director Kelly Reichardt in her unsentimental and distinctive interpretation of the American western.

The year is 1845 and three pioneering families cross the treacherous Oregon Trail under the guidance of Meek, a grizzled frontiersman who insists, "We're not lost, we're just finding our way." 

As their wagons creak and groan across the parched earth, tensions between the settlers rise and they are forced into an unthinkable decision. 

Curator's Note

For her fourth feature film, director Kelly Reichardt chose a story based on actual events, penned by screenwriter Jon Raymond who she had collaborated with on her previous films Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy. At the time, Meek's Cutoff felt like a bold departure veering away from personal storytelling into ensemble period drama. However, the film stayed true to Reichardt's oeuvre, anchoring the piece not far from all of her other films, each set in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

At the time of the film's release Meek's Cutoff was highly praised, competing for the Golden Lion in Venice and winning awards around the world. Over time, the film's power has not diminished and it's standing as a great piece of independent American filmmaker quite possibly has grown.

Meek's Cutoff screened exclusively at ACMI upon the film's Australian release and is presented here as two special screenings on 35mm film.
- Reece Goodwin, Curator (FIlm & TV)