The Bygone (2019)

Directed by: Graham Phillips, Parker Phillips | 105 minutes | crime, drama | Actors: Shawn Hatosy, Jacqueline Toboni, Irene Bedard, Jamie McShane, Graham Phillips, Ritchie Coster, Gregory Kelly, Tokala Black Elk, Joe Hursley, Sydney Schafer, Jacob Ming-Trent

After the heavily underestimated ‘Wind River’ (from 2017 by Tauylor Sheridan), ‘The Bygone’ is released. Both films explore the lives of Native Americans (formerly called Indians) in their reservations. It turns out it’s no fun to live in such a depressing place where you are clearly put away as a third-class citizen. ‘The Bygone’ pays attention to these reserves and their inhabitants. It provides another bleak glimpse of America.

In ‘The Bygone’, a young rancher regularly crosses paths with an Indian girl who lives on a reservation. Suddenly he no longer sees her and begins to wonder where she is and if something has happened to her. The rancher starts a search and discovers that the girl has ended up in human trafficking. He also discovers the poignant past of the lady in question.

Directing duo Graham and Parker Phillips wanted to create a dark film that draws attention to human trafficking, Native Americans and the power of compassion. It has resulted in a very heavy, but beautifully acted film. The cast consists of mostly unknown actors, but they do their job well. The pimp – clearly the villain – could have been portrayed a little less caricatured, but that’s the only point of criticism when it comes to the game.

‘The Bygone’ lacks the finish of a more professional project like ‘Wind River’ that involved more money. The Phillipsen have created a heavy drama that demands a lot from the viewer. This is not an easy thing to do and the accumulation of misery is sometimes too much. With a better dosage, this story would have had more impact. The placement of a lighthearted moment and a less sadistic, cardboard villain would have done the film well. Now you will be beaten down with all kinds of desolate scenes in which the number of victims cannot be counted. This is more of a drama than a thriller (something the cover does promise).