Cow
Cow

Movie spotlight

Cow

2022
Movie
93 min
English

A close-up portrait of the daily lives of a pair of cows: told by way of some narrative-free, intimate POV photography, with plenty of close shot images, we follow the daily routine of these animals as they live what can only be described as mundane, boring lives - all with an ultimate purpose within the human food chain.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users85%
Director: Andrea ArnoldGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary offers an intimate and unflinching look at the life of a single dairy cow, named Luma, on a single farm. Through Luma's perspective, the film explores the realities of modern animal agriculture, from birth to the production of milk. It captures the mundane routines, the moments of connection with other animals, and the eventual separation from her calf. The film aims to foster empathy and contemplation regarding our relationship with animals and the food we consume.

Critical Reception

Andrea Arnold's 'Cow' was widely acclaimed by critics for its unique and immersive approach to the documentary form. Reviewers praised its bold perspective, eschewing traditional narration for a visceral, sensory experience that allows the viewer to connect with the cow's existence. The film's unflinching portrayal of the dairy industry's realities sparked considerable discussion and reflection, positioning it as a significant work of observational cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply empathetic and visually striking portrayal of a dairy cow's life.

  • Arnold's unique perspective offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience.

  • The film challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with food production and animal welfare.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's unique and immersive perspective, finding it to be a powerful and moving experience that prompted reflection on animal welfare and the dairy industry. Some found the pacing slow at times but generally viewed it as an important and impactful documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Andrea Arnold spent years observing dairy cows and their environments before filming began, emphasizing her commitment to authentically capturing the animal's experience without anthropomorphizing it.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A few days in the life of a pair of cows. Told by way of some narrative-free, intimate POV photography, we follow the daily routine of these animals as they live what can only be described as mundane, boring lives - all with an ultimate pur...