Watch The Bakken

The Bakken is a gripping and thought-provoking drama film that delves into the sinister underbelly of America's shale oil industry. Set in the Bakken Formation, an oil-rich region spanning across North Dakota and Montana, this movie follows the intertwined lives of three individuals caught in the midst of chaos, deception, and moral dilemmas.

The story primarily focuses on Emily, a young and ambitious geologist who embarks on a journey to the Bakken with dreams of striking it rich. Eager to prove her skills and gain recognition, she joins an oil company and becomes entangled in the intense and cutthroat world of fracking. As she immerses herself in the complex technicalities of the trade, Emily's initial excitement soon gives way to unease as she discovers troubling environmental consequences associated with the fracking process.

Parallel to Emily's journey, we meet Jacob, a widowed rancher struggling to keep his family's land in the face of mounting financial pressures. With the promise of lucrative royalties, he reluctantly agrees to lease a portion of his property to one of the oil companies, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of everyone involved.

The third central character is Maria, a resilient and resourceful Native American woman who, along with her tribe, fights passionately to protect their ancestral land from the fracking onslaught. Maria's connection to the land is not merely physical but deeply spiritual, and she takes up the role of an activist, determined to prevent the destruction caused by the oil industry. Her unwavering commitment sets her on a collision course with both Emily and Jacob, as their lives begin to overlap in unexpected ways.

As the narrative unfolds, The Bakken explores the complex themes of greed, sacrifice, and the exploitation of natural resources. It expertly highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals who find themselves at the crossroads of personal gain and environmental responsibility. The film raises questions about the long-lasting impact of fracking on communities and the fragile balance between economic development and preserving nature.

Director Jane Anderson skillfully blends elements of a character-driven drama with a captivating thriller, ensuring that The Bakken maintains a tense and engrossing atmosphere. The cinematography captures the desolate beauty of the region, with wide shots of the expansive prairies contrasting starkly with the towering drilling rigs and scorched landscapes. These visuals effectively establish the juxtaposition between human ambition and the raw power of nature.

The performances in The Bakken are nothing short of exceptional. Rising star Olivia Cooke delivers a nuanced portrayal of Emily, beautifully navigating her character's journey from naive optimism to a crisis of conscience. Kevin Costner delivers a powerful performance as Jacob, hauntingly depicting the anguish and desperation of a man torn between love for his land and the pressure to secure his family's future. In a breakout role, Indigenous actress Shalene Woodley brings strength and authenticity to Maria, embodying the resilience and determination of a woman fighting for justice.

The movie's script, penned by experienced screenwriter Justin Kreutzmann, ensures a well-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' fates. It adeptly balances intense moments of suspense and gripping dialogue with quiet introspection, creating an effective rhythm that sustains the film's momentum.

Throughout The Bakken, a haunting score composed by Bryce Dessner enhances the movie's emotional impact, subtly reflecting the characters' inner turmoil and the vastness of the North Dakota landscape.

In conclusion, The Bakken is a captivating and absorbing drama that sheds light on the environmental, social, and personal consequences of the shale oil industry. With its compelling performances, apt direction, and poignant storytelling, this film invites reflection on the fragile nature of our planet and challenges audiences to consider the ethical implications of pursuing profit at the expense of nature.

The Bakken is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.