Beyond the setting and the genre markers, however, Meek's Cutoff shares quite a few similarities with River of Grass, Old Joy and Wendy and Lucy, in particular the theme of the stifled American Dream.

Just as in Reichardt's previous trio of films Meek's Cutoff has at its centre individuals who are short of the resources they need to get where they want to be. Here, the would-be pioneers are short of both the physical (water) and the intangible (the knowledge needed to lead them out of the harsh desert). It's easy to see an allegory here, as the US finds itself stranded in crises (political and financial) with no leading light to point the way out.

Stephen Meek (played by Bruce Greenwood) is the guide the pioneers employ to help them find their way to the west coast. But he's all boast and not really much help, while his menacing and brutish behaviour make the families wonder whether they should just dispose of his services (by ganging up on and killing him).

The men gather several times to plot, but never even go so far as to disagree with Meek's views. Instead, it's left to Emily Tetherow (Michelle Williams) to finally stand up against the lout and prevent him from acting on his prejudice against a Cayuse tribesman (Rod Rondeaux) they have captured.

'Your woman got some Indian blood in her, Mr Tetherow?' spits Meek, as he backs away from the gun-wielding Emily.

Meek's Cutoff makes use of the wide geographical expanses to highlight the challenges confronting these small specks of life in search of a better future.

It's to Reichardt's credit that the film combines such vivid imagery with the depiction of festering human relationships. The film doesn't provide closure, but it does offer a reflection of how we might behave in helpless times.

Extras: making-of featurette, trailer.