Somewhere in Montana

Sometimes, we just need to leave the divisive world we live in and take a breath. Brandon Smith’s feature film suggests maybe we go Somewhere in Montana (schmaltzy—my bad). Father and daughter John (Graham McTavish) and Laney Alexander (Kaleigh Macchio) run a ranch in Montana. However, after John’s wife passes, the ranch has not been performing well, and John has lost heart. Much to John’s protests, Laney allows a Hollywood production company to shoot their film on the ranch to get it through the following year.

Soon, the trucks pull up, and John meets the film’s writer/director, Fabian Verdugo (Matt Drago). Tension builds immediately as the Trump-supporting rancher runs into the progressive liberal filmmaker. Fireworks then explode when John realizes this is a lesbian period drama about female homesteaders.

Fabian is not without his problems. The production has been stalled because he is a perfectionist, and his co-producer Kat (Michelle Hurd) has been managing his foibles all this time. In fact, if he hadn’t settled on John’s ranch, the financing would have fallen apart.

The central theme of Somewhere in Montana addresses the division we as a nation have experienced over the last decade and is embodied in John and Fabian. Without being too hyperbolic, politics has divided us deeply, and it feels like outside forces are fanning the flame. Somewhere in Montana, it takes no sides but points out that we have more in common than we realize.

“Laney, much to John’s protests, allows a Hollywood production company to shoot their film on the ranch…”

Writer/director Smith sets the slow country life against the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled race of Hollywood. For some perspective, let’s just say the film is biased toward slowing down and looking at the stars, the sunset, and the grazing cows. Graham McTavish is fantastic as the gruff rancher and is set perfectly against Matt Drago’s self-described cinematic genius. Making John and Fabian caricatures would have been tempting, but Smith keeps the characters grounded.

One of the film’s touching moments is John finally coming to grips with his wife’s passing. He is helped by his Native-American counterpart Bob (Andrew Roa). The moment is unexpected, enlightening, and eye-opening in this cross-cultural relationship.

Frankly, I like Somewhere in Montana because it tries to do good. To answer a very famous question, “Yes, we can get along.” In trying to do good, the film can come across as preachy at times, but sometimes preachy works if it is the right message. If you feel you’ll have to tolerate its message, the beautiful Montana horizon offers a way to take the edge off.

Sometimes, a movie’s impact transcends its story, delivering something we desperately need—a chance to reflect, connect, and simply breathe. Somewhere in Montana is one such film offering a heartfelt reminder that, despite our differences, people can win the day. Add stunning Montana vistas, a compelling father-daughter bond, and grounded performances, and you’ve got yourself a cinematic haven in a divisive world.