• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Film
  • DVD
  • Editorial
  • About ScreenFish

ScreenFish

where faith and film are intertwined

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • News
  • OtherFish
  • Podcast
  • Give
You are here: Home / Film / Inside Out 2020: Cowboys

Inside Out 2020: Cowboys

October 7, 2020 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Written and directed by Anna Kerrigan, Cowboys tells the story of Troy (Steve Zahn), a mid-Western father who lives in an environment defined by masculinity. When his young daughter, Joe (Sasha Knight) reveals that she believes herself to be a boy, Troy’s initial apprehension quickly turns to acceptance of his son. However, his mother Sally (Jillian Bell) is not so understanding. Unable to accept this new reality, Sally attempts to reinforce traditional gender stereotypes in an effect to ‘help’ Joe. Frustrated by his wife’s response, Troy takes Joe into the Montana wilderness in an attempt to cross the border to freedom.

Known best for their comedic work, Zahn and Bell deliver incredible performances here as Joe’s conflicted and frustrated parents. Rather than focus primarily on Joe’s journey, this is a film about the fears and insecurities of the adults that surround him and, frankly, both stars are simply astonishing to watch onscreen. (Zahn, in particular offers some of the best work of his career here, imbuing Troy with a mixture of frustrated anger and genuine humility.) 

Due to the strength of their performances, there’s a surprising level of nuance to Cowboys. While his temper can get him into trouble, Troy’s motives behind his blow-ups primarily stem out of a heart of protection for his young son. At the same time, Sally’s antagonistic mother is not without redemption either. Whereas many films of this type will portray their ‘villain’ as the inveterate monster, Sally’s anger stems more from her denial than a heart of bigotry.

While Bell and Zahn may be the focus of the film, Cowboys is about far more than their family. Pulling back the lens, Kerrigan’s work is also a call for grace and understanding from a culture that is still coming to grips with the modern sexual revolution and its nuances. Though Cowboys may be the story of one youth’s journey, it is also a reminder of the humility required to help all people discover who they were created to be.

Cowboys is currently streaming at the Inside Out Fest.

Share it!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Premieres, Reviews Tagged With: Anna Kerrigan, Cowboys, Inside Out, Jillian Bell, Steve Zahn

About Steve Norton

Steve Norton is a pastor, hubby, and daddy (x2). I am a dedicated Jesus follower who looks for new ways to bring God glory and I have a ridiculous passion for film. It's one of my distinct interests to explore the connection between the two as well. Over the last 5 years, I've been proud to be a writer for Hollywood Jesus, Love Is Moving magazine and now, I have the privilege to help create ScreenFish.net! #forHisglory

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

THE SF NEWS

Get a special look, just for you.

sf podcast

Hot Off the Press

  • She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – Roaring for Justice
  • Squeal: Men are Pigs
  • The Legend of Molly Brown – One woman’s struggle
  • Sharp Stick: Sex and Sensibility
  • Syndrome K – Life Saving Disease
Find tickets and showtimes on Fandango.

where faith and film are intertwined

film and television carry stories which remind us of the stories God has woven since the beginning of time. come with us on a journey to see where faith and film are intertwined.

Footer

ScreenFish Articles

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – Roaring for Justice

Squeal: Men are Pigs

  • About ScreenFish
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 · ScreenFish.net · Built by Aaron Lee

 

Loading Comments...