Chloe Zhao's The Rider was my top pick for 2017. Werner Herzog said it restored his faith in cinema. I agree. The Rider is docu-fiction, which means that the people in the film play versions of themselves and acting out scenes that are true to their real lives. Set in the Heartland of South Dakota, The Rider follows a young Lakota horse trainer and rodeo rider as he reconciles his life and limitations after a traumatic head injury that prevents him from continuing as a rodeo rider. This film is so beautiful! Do It! 5/5 |