Before creating the “Yellowstone” empire that now dominates television, Taylor Sheridan was writing and directing some of the best movies of the 2010s. Sheridan’s work during this period includes “Wind River,” a thoughtful and visually stunning mystery thriller movie that explores a twisting murder investigation in the frozen wilds of Wyoming.
Released in 2017, this gripping movie was an instant critical darling and a modest box office success (grossing around $45 million globally against an $11 million budget). However, it’s currently enjoying one of its biggest periods of popularity more than eight years after its theatrical release now that it’s arrived on the world’s biggest streaming service, Netflix.
Starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, both veterans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (playing Hawkeye and Scarlett Witch, respectively), and with an engaging premise, it’s no surprise to see “Wind River” surge up the Netflix top 10 most-watched list. As we enter this new week, it holds the No. 7 spot, but was previously higher, landing in the top 5.
If “Wind River” has caught your eye on Netflix, but you want to know a little more before adding it to your watchlist, let’s dive into exactly what makes this Taylor Sheridan-directed thriller such a must-watch movie.
What is ‘Wind River’ about?
Set on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming, Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) is an expert tracker and wildlife agent who discovers the frozen body of an 18-year-old girl out in the snow-blanketed plains.
FBI Special Agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) is called to investigate, with Lambert acting as a guide to the area and the locals. But as the duo gets closer to the truth, their own lives are put in danger, and they discover more shocking crimes linked to this brutal murder.
An exploration of the modern American West as only Taylor Sheridan can create, as well as a valuable vehicle to highlight the treatment of Indigenous women, “Wind River” is both engaging as a thriller, but with something important to say underneath the mystery.
‘Wind River’ is a valuable thriller that grips right out of the gate
“Wind River” is not a movie with a long windup; within the first 10 minutes, the mystery is afoot as Renner’s Lambert stumbles upon a corpse half-buried in the snow. Literally the very next scene sees Olsen’s FBI agent arrive on the scene, and moments later, the two are investigating the crime scene and uncovering their first clues.
Don’t mistake this brisk pacing for a lack of substance, because while “Wind River” quickly gets to the heart of the matter, it’s an extremely thoughtful thriller with valuable things to say. It’s also consistently stunning, with plenty of sweeping shots of the snow-covered wilderness. Kudos to cinematographer Ben Richardson for the sterling work here.
The Renner-Olsen pairing proves to be a dream team.
Renner and Olsen are no strangers to each other, having worked closely in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but both step up their game in “Wind River.” While Renner is well-suited to his role, and Lambert’s family drama adds an extra wrinkle, the frequent scene-stealer is Olsen. Banner appears at first to be a little unsettled by the harsh conditions, but rises to lead the investigation, and is shown to be headstrong and determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice. The Renner-Olsen pairing proves to be a dream team.
In “Wind River,” you’ve got basically all the ingredients needed for a truly compelling mystery thriller. The central murder case is gripping and comes to a heart-pounding conclusion that is both satisfying and fittingly bittersweet given the overall tone. Plus, the movie is anchored by two likable characters whom you’ll quickly come to root for. Throw in the fantastic cinematography, Sheridan’s sharp screenplay and the movie’s deeper message, and it's clear “Wind River” offers more than cheap thrills.
I’m far from the only viewer who got swept up in “Wind River” the first time I saw it. The movie holds an impressive 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its “smart writing,” “character-driven mystery,” and the performances of Renner and Olsen. Viewers don’t disagree either. In fact, over on the popular review aggregate site, its audience score is actually higher, currently at 90%.
I’ve championed “Wind River” several times in the past (it was previously available on Prime Video before switching to Netflix), and I’m delighted to see it making waves in the streaming world once again. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Sheridan’s expanding stable of “Yellowstone” spin-offs, this is a movie that demands your attention. It’s tense, thoughtful and important.
“Wind River” isn’t the only movie making an impression on the world’s biggest streamer right now. Here’s a guide to the current Netflix top 10 most-watched list, and for new additions to the platform, check out our complete run-down of everything new on Netflix in September 2025.
Watch "Wind River" on Netflix now
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