The crisis for the couple at the heart of “Cowboys” begins when their son Joe (Sasha Knight) expresses his desire for a transition.
In this western-themed family drama, dad Troy (Steve Zahn) likes to acknowledge his son’s identity, but Troy’s diffuse sweetness makes it difficult for his wife Sally (Jillian Bell) to see his support as anything other than enjoyment. At home, Sally enforces girlhood, and she wins custody if she and Troy split up.
Joe asks his father to take him with him. In response, Troy steals his son from home and leads him into the woods on horseback. The legal term for Troy’s actions is kidnapping, and Sally calls on the police to help her find her lost family.
The conflicts at the heart of “cowboys” are timely, and come at a time when trans children and their rights are at the forefront of American political debate. But writer and director Anna Kerrigan doesn’t sensitize her story. Your characters don’t speak as if they were addressing the audience from a pulpit. Instead, she shows Troy, Sally, and Joe communicating through their differences of opinion. She pays attention to the behaviors that occur when under pressure. This sensitivity gives the film a smooth feel – the understated “cowboys” hop without adding to the excitement of a gallop.
The attention of this character drama offers Zahn in particular the opportunity to break new ground. He hasn’t lost the space that once made him a lovable comedic buddy, but here fatherhood gives the same charm of pathos, even tragedy. He understands and supports his son, but may not have the resources to make decisions that will benefit both of them.
Cowboys
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 23 minutes. Available in virtual cinemas and to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play and other streaming platforms as well as pay TV operators.
