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Thunderbird is an independent drama movie directed by Nicholas Treeshin that was released in 2019. The story focuses on the aftermath of a tragic event that changes the lives of the main characters, and their journey towards healing and redemption. It stars Natalie Brown as Kate, a mother who tries to come to terms with her grief while discovering her own strength; Colten Wilke as Dylan, a troubled teenage boy who needs to face his darkest secrets to move on; and William Belleau as Wes, a Native American man who helps them both find their way.

The movie opens with Kate and Dylan living in a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada. Kate is a single mother who works at a struggling diner; Dylan is her son, who spends most of his time skateboarding and causing trouble. They have a distant and strained relationship, as Dylan resents his mother for not standing up for him when he was bullied at school. Their routine is shattered one day when Dylan witnesses a violent crime, and is traumatized by it. The incident forces both of them to confront their past and present problems, and to lean on each other for support.

Meanwhile, Wes is introduced as a member of the local First Nations community, who has his own reasons for being drawn to Kate and Dylan. He is an enigmatic figure, who seems to know more than he lets on. As the story progresses, his connection to Kate's family is revealed, and his own struggles with addiction and sadness are explored. His presence is both comforting and unsettling, and he becomes a catalyst for the changes that occur in Kate and Dylan's lives.

Throughout the movie, themes of grief, forgiveness, and redemption are explored in a sensitive and realistic way. The characters are flawed and relatable, and their journeys feel authentic and earned. The cinematography is beautiful and captures the stark beauty of the Canadian prairies, while the music is haunting and adds to the emotional impact of the story. The script is smart and avoids cliches, allowing the actors to shine in their roles.

Natalie Brown delivers a nuanced and layered performance as Kate, a woman who is struggling to keep everything together in the face of overwhelming loss. Her portrayal is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as she faces her fears and finds the strength to move on. Colten Wilke is equally impressive as Dylan, a complex and troubled teenager who is grappling with his own demons. His scenes with Brown are some of the most powerful in the movie, as their relationship evolves from one of resentment to one of mutual understanding and love.

William Belleau, as Wes, provides the perfect counterpoint to the other characters, bringing a quiet dignity and wisdom to the role. His connection to the land and his cultural heritage is an important aspect of the story, and provides a commentary on the state of Indigenous communities in Canada. His scenes with Dylan are particularly poignant, as he becomes a mentor and friend to the troubled teenager.

Overall, Thunderbird is a heartfelt and moving movie that explores the complexities of grief and healing with authenticity and compassion. It is a must-see for anyone who enjoys character-driven dramas, and for those who appreciate stories that tackle tough issues with honesty and sensitivity. With its strong performances, stunning visuals, and emotional resonance, Thunderbird is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Thunderbird is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5.