The Mustang

               Cliched yet deeply moving none the less,  this is a beautiful film about the transformational power of love between man and animal. While it tugs at your heartstrings, there is a great deal of sadness as well so be prepared to be emotionally drained by the end.

              Matthias Schoenaerts (best know for "Rust & Bone") stars as Roman Coleman, a prisoner in an Arizona state penitentiary. Roman is full of pent up anger and rage with no outlet. As he tells the prison therapist, played by Connie Britton, "I'm no good around people". When he is assigned yard work, he inadvertently is chosen for a horse rehabilitation program run by a horse trainer named Myles, played by Bruce Dern.

             Of course Roman ends up fascinated by the meanest, wildest mustang in the group, and while they get off to a terrible start (a hard scene to watch), eventually man and horse bond with mutual love and respect. Roman becomes a better man for the experience. It enables him to begin to repair the relationship with his estranged daughter, Martha, played by Gideon Adlon. 

             Jason Mitchell also co-stars as Henry, another convict already good with horses, who helps Roman learn the ropes (literally and figuratively). Mr. Mitchell is a natural cowboy and does excellent work here. The film however, belongs to Mr. Schoenaerts. He is absolutely remarkable. His scenes with his horse, both violent and eventually loving are both difficult and beautiful to watch. The scene where he finally finds the words to express himself to Martha is just incredible. This is an award worthy performance by a wonderful actor that elevates the film beyond cliche.

            The horse rehabilitation program is a real program currently running in many western states. The film points out that there are still thousands of wild horses roaming the west and the program serves two successful purposes for both convict and horse.