Writer-director Kelly Reichardt (Wendy and Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff) once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America. With Ewen Bremner, Alia Shawkat, Toby Jones, Rene Auberjonois.

“‘First Cow” is as confident and organic as storytelling gets – as rough-edged as it is in style, it’s absurdly rich in ripple effect.” (Boston Globe)

“We might go into a Kelly Reichardt movie thinking we’ll be told a story, but we emerge with our consciousness subtly and radically altered.” (Washington Post)

“‘First Cow’ is a wonderfully unhurried film, which may be why it is so captivating. It allows viewers to sink in and absorb the story and its setting.” (Salon.com)

Sunday, July 19
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

Tuesday, July 21
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

Friday, July 24
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

Sunday, July 26
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

*Minors welcome in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK. Please redeem at the door.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the Rio Theatre’s screenings are operating at a sharply reduced capacity. We can’t guarantee availability of tickets at the door, so advance tickets for all screening events are strongly recommended. Our online box office can be found at www.riotheatretickets.ca. Online sales for every screening automatically end 1 hour before any given showtime.

FIRST COW (Kelly Reichardt, 2020 / 122 mins / PG) A taciturn loner and skilled cook has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow.