Title: The Mustang
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre
Starring: Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Mitchell, Bruce Dern
Runtime: 1 hr 36 mins

What It Is: In certain states, the prison system has a program wherein the inmates work with wild mustangs in order to sell them back to police, military, and farmers. Inmate Roman Coleman (Schoenaerts) is an angry man going through counseling. When he is invited to take part in the program he’s given a horse with a bit of an attitude problem itself. After naming it Marquis he now must attempt to tame wild horses. No small feat for a man who’s own anger is a difficulty.

What We Think: Matthias Schoenaerts is simply stellar. His performance, while understated, is one that fits fantastically within the confines of the film. Jason Mitchell continues to do great work and his character does some great things within the narrative that all crescendo. Clermont-Tonnerre brings with her wonderful direction a GREAT script. Simple and effective. Being shot here in my current home of Nevada there’s a dusty dirty look to it all. There’s a real sense of the underlying fire going on within Roman throughout the film at various moments. Simply a wonderful performance.

Our Grade: B, It’s no surprise that this played Sundance. Not only did they help fund director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre through their Sundance Labs and she received the Sundance Institute/NHK Award in 2015 as a part of that. Though I missed this one TWICE. Once in Park City and again here in Vegas at a press screening, I’m glad I FINALLY got to see it. You should do so as well. It’s on VOD so you don’t really even need to leave your house to catch this one. Absolutely a recommendation from me. Without any doubt! See this one asap.