On the one hand, this film gives us fascinating shots of wild mustangs in the vast open spaces of North America, whose irresistible image quality is reminiscent of the aesthetics of glossy adverts in the best sense. On the other hand, there are more raw, unedited sequences in which the filmmaker investigates the causes of the threat to the wild horses, using the camera as a means of recording her research. On closer inspection, this obvious disjuncture in the split cinematography and camera work proves to be a skilful underlining of the narrative style, which this film addresses as an obvious contradiction in terms of content: the wonderful, almost fairytale-like, seemingly protected world of wild horses, which in reality are under threat in a landscape increasingly shaped by humans and all too often find themselves penned in by fences, covered in injuries. With its activist and emotional approach, Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West confronts us with the wildlife reality of America’s secret heraldic animals. It is a subject that, when filmed so powerfully, also touches people who do not see themselves as horse enthusiasts.

USA 2023 – 99 min – Directed by: Ashley Avis