In the ever-shifting landscape of streaming platforms, where new releases often dominate the spotlight, a seven-year-old film has unexpectedly surged to prominence on Netflix. Taylor Sheridan’s Wind River, the 2017 neo-western crime thriller starring Marvel Cinematic Universe stars Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, is captivating audiences once again. This gripping tale of a wildlife tracker and an FBI agent investigating a brutal murder on a Wyoming Native American reservation has climbed Netflix’s trending charts in September 2025, drawing both new viewers and longtime fans. With its tense storytelling, haunting atmosphere, and unflinching focus on the overlooked crisis of violence against Indigenous women, Wind River remains as relevant and powerful today as it was upon release. As buzz grows around the completed sequel, Wind River: The Next Chapter—notably without Sheridan, Renner, or Olsen—now is the perfect time to revisit or discover this modern classic on Netflix. This article explores the film’s resurgence, its critical and cultural impact, and why it continues to resonate with audiences.

A Neo-Western Masterpiece: The Making of Wind River

Released in August 2017, Wind River marked the directorial debut of Taylor Sheridan, a screenwriter-turned-filmmaker already celebrated for penning Sicario (2015) and Hell or High Water (2016). These films, often dubbed Sheridan’s “American Frontier Trilogy,” explore themes of justice, morality, and the harsh realities of marginalized communities. Wind River completes this trilogy with a story set in the desolate, snow-covered landscapes of Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation, where the collision of cultures and systemic failures sets the stage for a harrowing crime drama.

The film stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service tracker haunted by personal loss, and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, a rookie FBI agent out of her depth in the unforgiving terrain. Together, they investigate the rape and murder of a young Native American woman, Natalie Hanson (played by Kelsey Asbille), found frozen in the snow. The case unfolds against the backdrop of a reservation plagued by poverty, addiction, and neglect, where jurisdictional complexities and societal indifference exacerbate the tragedy.

Sheridan, who also wrote the screenplay, drew inspiration from real-life statistics and stories about missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), a crisis that has long been underreported. “I wanted to tell a story that sheds light on this issue, but through the lens of a thriller that doesn’t preach,” Sheridan said in a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. His approach—blending visceral suspense with social commentary—struck a chord, earning Wind River widespread acclaim.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2017, where it received a standing ovation. Critics praised its taut pacing, atmospheric cinematography by Ben Richardson, and the raw performances of Renner and Olsen, fresh off their Marvel roles as Hawkeye and Scarlet Witch. The movie grossed $33.8 million domestically and $44.2 million worldwide on a modest $11 million budget, proving its commercial appeal. It also won awards, including Best Director for Sheridan at the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, cementing its status as a critical darling.

The Story: A Haunting Blend of Thriller and Social Commentary

Wind River opens with a chilling image: a young woman running barefoot through the snow, her breath ragged, before collapsing in the cold. This sets the tone for a story that is equal parts mystery and lament. Cory Lambert, a seasoned tracker who hunts predators like mountain lions, is called to the scene when Natalie’s body is discovered. His expertise and personal connection to the reservation—he’s a white man with ties to the community through his ex-wife and late daughter—make him an essential ally to Jane Banner, the Las Vegas-based FBI agent assigned to the case.

As Cory and Jane dig deeper, they uncover a web of systemic issues. The reservation’s tribal police, led by Chief Ben Shoyo (Graham Greene), are underfunded and understaffed, while federal oversight is minimal due to jurisdictional loopholes. The investigation leads to Natalie’s troubled boyfriend, a confrontation at a drug den, and ultimately a chilling revelation about the perpetrators—oil workers at a nearby drilling site. The film’s climax, a tense standoff, is both cathartic and devastating, underscoring the futility of justice in a system stacked against the vulnerable.

What sets Wind River apart is its refusal to sensationalize. Sheridan’s script treats the MMIW crisis with respect, using text at the film’s end to highlight the lack of federal data on missing Native women, a stark reminder of institutional neglect. Renner’s portrayal of Cory is understated yet powerful, conveying a man wrestling with grief and duty. Olsen’s Jane evolves from naive outsider to determined advocate, her frustration mirroring the audience’s. Supporting performances, particularly by Native actors like Greene, Asbille, and Julia Jones, add authenticity and emotional weight.

The film’s setting—Wyoming’s stark, frozen wilderness—becomes a character itself. Richardson’s cinematography captures the vastness and isolation, while Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’s haunting score amplifies the tension. “It’s a film that makes you feel the cold, the despair, and the anger,” wrote Variety’s Peter Debruge in 2017. “Sheridan doesn’t just tell a story; he forces you to live it.”

Why Wind River Is Trending Again on Netflix

In September 2025, Wind River unexpectedly climbed Netflix’s U.S. Top 10 list, sparking a wave of social media buzz. Posts on X highlight fans’ rediscovery: “Just watched Wind River on Netflix—holy cow, what a gut-punch,” wrote user @MovieLover23. Another, @IndieFilmFan, tweeted, “If you haven’t seen Wind River yet, drop everything. It’s on Netflix and it’s a masterpiece.” So, what’s driving this resurgence?

First, the film’s availability on Netflix has broadened its reach. Originally distributed by The Weinstein Company (a point of controversy given Harvey Weinstein’s downfall), Wind River found a new home on streaming platforms. Its addition to Netflix in July 2025, coupled with algorithmic recommendations, has introduced it to viewers seeking gritty crime dramas or neo-westerns like Sheridan’s Yellowstone.

Second, the timing aligns with heightened awareness of the MMIW crisis. Recent activism, including marches and legislative efforts like the 2024 Savanna’s Act reauthorization, has brought renewed attention to violence against Indigenous women. Wind River’s focus on this issue resonates, with viewers praising its sensitivity. “It’s not just a thriller—it’s a wake-up call,” posted @NativeVoices on X. Organizations like the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center have cited the film as a catalyst for dialogue, despite some critiques of its white-led perspective.

Third, the announcement of Wind River: The Next Chapter has reignited interest. The sequel, completed in early 2025 and directed by Kari Skogland, shifts focus to new characters, including Martin Sensmeier as a tribal officer and Jason Clarke as an FBI agent. Without Sheridan, Renner, or Olsen, it has sparked debate among fans, prompting many to revisit the original. “Gotta watch Wind River again before the sequel drops,” tweeted @WesternFanatic. Though the sequel’s release date remains unconfirmed, its buzz has fueled Netflix streams.

Finally, the star power of Renner and Olsen, both Marvel veterans, draws viewers. Renner’s recent recovery from a 2023 snowplow accident and Olsen’s acclaimed performances in WandaVision and His Three Daughters (2024) keep them in the spotlight. Fans discovering their non-Marvel roles find Wind River a compelling showcase of their range.

Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact

Upon release, Wind River earned a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its storytelling and social commentary. The New York Times called it “a thriller that doesn’t sacrifice humanity for suspense,” while The Guardian praised Sheridan’s “unflinching gaze at America’s underbelly.” The film’s box office success—outgrossing Sicario domestically—proved audiences craved intelligent, issue-driven dramas.

Its focus on MMIW was groundbreaking. The U.S. Government Accountability Office reported in 2021 that Native American women face murder rates 10 times the national average, yet cases often go unsolved. Wind River’s closing text, noting the lack of data on missing Native women, spurred advocacy. The Urban Indian Health Institute cited a 2018 spike in MMIW awareness, partly attributed to the film.

However, Wind River faced criticism. Some Native activists argued it centered white protagonists, sidelining Indigenous voices. Sheridan responded in interviews, acknowledging the critique but defending his intent to reach broader audiences. “If I made a film only about Native characters, it might not get seen,” he told Indiewire. Collaborations with Native consultants and casting helped mitigate concerns, but the debate persists.

The film also sparked discussions on masculinity and justice. Cory’s vigilante-like actions reflect Sheridan’s recurring theme of men taking law into their own hands, seen in Yellowstone and Hell or High Water. Some critics, like Slate’s Karen Han, argued this romanticizes violence, while others saw it as a critique of broken systems.

The Performances: Renner, Olsen, and Beyond

Jeremy Renner delivers a career-best performance as Cory Lambert, a stoic yet broken man. His scenes, particularly a heart-wrenching monologue about his daughter’s death, showcase his depth beyond action roles. Elizabeth Olsen, as Jane, balances vulnerability and grit, her fish-out-of-water arc grounding the story. Their chemistry—professional, not romantic—feels authentic, a testament to Sheridan’s direction.

The Native cast shines, with Graham Greene stealing scenes as the weary yet wise Chief Ben. Kelsey Asbille and Julia Jones bring nuance to their roles, though Asbille’s casting (she is of Taiwanese descent) drew scrutiny for not being Native American. Gil Birmingham, as Natalie’s father, delivers a devastating performance, his grief palpable in a scene where he paints his face in mourning.

The Sequel and What’s Next

Wind River: The Next Chapter, shot in Canada and Utah, promises to continue exploring MMIW issues but with a new cast and director. Sensmeier, known for The Magnificent Seven, leads alongside Clarke and Kali Reis, a Native actress and boxer. Early reports suggest a focus on a new murder case, but without Sheridan’s involvement, fans are skeptical. “The original is lightning in a bottle,” posted @FilmBuff88 on X. “No Sheridan, no Renner—will it work?”

The sequel’s completion has driven streams of the original, as viewers catch up before its anticipated 2026 release. Netflix’s algorithm, recommending Wind River alongside similar titles like The Revenant or No Country for Old Men, further boosts its visibility.

Why You Should Stream Wind River Now

Wind River is more than a crime thriller—it’s a meditation on loss, justice, and forgotten communities. Its resurgence on Netflix reflects its timeless appeal: a story that entertains while challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. The performances, atmosphere, and Sheridan’s deft storytelling make it a must-watch.

As the MMIW crisis remains urgent and political divides deepen, Wind River’s themes of systemic failure and personal redemption resonate. With the sequel looming, now’s the time to stream it on Netflix, whether to rediscover its power or experience it anew. As one X user, @CinephileSoul, put it: “Wind River on Netflix is a reminder that great films endure. Don’t sleep on this one.”

In a world craving stories that matter, Wind River delivers—a chilling, unforgettable journey into the heart of America’s frontier.