If you'll allow me a moment...

I didn't think that First Cow would ever come to Australian cinemas.

I thought we'd have to wait a year for a physical release, just like we did for Certain Women.

But no, it's here.

First Cow is, quite simply, another sign that Kelly Reichardt is the finest director working today.

This is a film drenched in empathy, compassion, the power and importance of friendship, and the unifying qualities of food and comfort.

It is also a film that highlights the encroaching and all encompassing manner that greed and power finds its roots in society, and turns the world against itself. First Cow is about privilege, and aristocracy, and the owning of 'property', 'goods', and most importantly: 'land'.

First Cow opens with Alia Shawkat's walker discovering the skeletons of two men in an embrace. An embrace that lasts through time, and through generations. Forever entwined together, Cookie and King-Lu, have each other. Their bond endures.

Orion Lee and John Magaro's instant connection is tangible. It is not opportunistic, as it may outwardly seem, but rather both sees a future within the other that would otherwise be smothered by the aristocrats that establish themselves overnight, top hats and tea sets and all.

First Cow is, as trite as it sounds, 'the film we need right now'.

It's about seeing the truth in a stranger, and finding a bond with a potential friend.

And that, right there, in as simple terms possible, is the most emotional thing we can possibly embrace.

Yes, this is 'the Cow movie', and the beautiful cow delivers so much warmth and spirit to the film, but it's so much more than that.

It's a call for empathy. A cry in the night for compassion. It's your mothers best dish right when you need it.

I cry easily when I think of First Cow, because, like everyone else, I needed this film last year, and now it's here, in Australia, I can't help but hope it gives the people who seek it out the same salvation as I received from it.

Please, see First Cow where you can, and if you're able to, attend one of the Q&A screenings with Orion Lee. He is a wonderful person to spend time with.

Finally, thank you @MadmanFilms for distributing this wonderful film. You always deliver.

(And bless the abundance of First Cow gifs that made this thread more than just a bunch of words.)