Review of The Mustang

When Robert Redford attaches himself to a film as Executive Producer, other than last years "The Old Man & the Gun," one should pay attention. Toss in yet another fine gruff performance by Bruce Durn, an Award worthy lead performance by Matthias Schoenaerts ("The Danish Girl") as convict Roman Coleman, and an equistrian rehabilitation story line that hasn't been presented in this manner before, and you've got a film viewing experience with substance. Director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre (2015 Aspen Shortfest Special Jury Winner for "Rabbit" and 2015 Sundance NHK Award winner for "The Mustang") introduces the viewing audience to wild mustang prison rehabilitation therapy program, via the the incarceration of Roman, who has shut himself off from his daughter (nicely presented by Gideon Adlon "The Society" TV) and life outside of his 12-years in prison. While the story leads the viewer down a somewhat predictable road, Roman's conflicted and reserved journey, along with his various contentious interaction with his horse (Marcus), is hard to look away from. Schoenaerts really steps outside the usual roles he is recognized for, and for this reason his performance places him securely into higher category of actors. One of my favs, Connie Britton ("Dirty John" TV), has a cameo here that's less than stellar, but it's alway great to see her work, and Jason Mitchell (Henry) and Josh Stewart (Dan) have arrived on the actor radar. The issue with "The Mustang" is that director/writer de Clermont-Tonnerre, and fellow writers Brock Norman Brock and Mona Fastvold, present several interesting side stories (drugs, murder, life in prison) along Roman's journey that are never flushed out. Regardless, "The Mustang" will be the sleeper film you'll want to experience.