The Cowboy

Summary

The documentary follows a young man named Crowley over the course of ten years in Colorado. At the age of eleven, he lives with his family in modest rural conditions and dreams of becoming a rodeo rider and one day owning his own ranch. He finds guidance in his father and older brother, who introduce him early on to horseback riding and working with animals. The film portrays Crowley's everyday life between training in western riding, his desire for freedom, and an idealized sense of masculinity. The rural setting is marked by cramped living conditions and financial insecurity. Over time, tensions within the family intensify: alcohol abuse and violence lead to ruptures, and the death of his brother becomes a profound turning point that forces Crowley to question his understanding of courage and toughness. At the same time, broader social developments in the United States become visible - rising living costs, inadequate access to healthcare, and growing social strain. The film follows Crowley into early adulthood, during which he moves several times before eventually settling into a small apartment of his own. His original dream of a life as a cowboy and rodeo rider gradually fades into the background, while his connection to family, landscape, and animals remains a defining part of his life.