The Mustang

This 2019 movie is set against the backdrop of the ‘Wild Horse Inmate Program’- an actual program that seeks to rehabilitate prisoners across 6 US states, by getting them to break and train wild horses for adoption.  It tells the fictional story of one such inmate, played by Matthias Schoenaerts, and his search for redemption.

This is an understated gem of a movie, and one of the best that I have seen this year.  While the plot is fairly straightforward and mostly predictable, what truly elevates the movie is the writing, the performances and its sense of authenticity.  Schoenaerts, who starred in Bullhead (which I wrote about, a few weeks ago) gives a terrific performance.  Jason Mitchell and Bruce Dern are excellent in supporting roles.  The movie was shot at the historic Nevada State Prison, Carson City (which closed in 2012) and alongside the actors, features actual inmates who participated in the Wild Horse Inmate Program.

Here’s a link to the trailer.