Meek's Cutoff

Meek's Cutoff is a 2010 western based on an actual historical incident. Wagons going West are led by a guide who may not know where he is going. This is not your typical western film and the story isn't told in traditional western film style. It's worth watching, especially if you're interested in the period.

trailer:

Roger Ebert's site gives it 3 1/2 out of 4 stars and says,

The distinctive thing here is the subservience of the characters to the landscape. These pioneers do not stand astride the land, they wander it in misery and exhaustion. The wheels of their wagons are little match for the terrain. There is a heartbreaking accident. The peeps of the caged bird become a mocking reminder of the domesticity they've left behind.

"Meek's Cutoff" is more an experience than a story.

History.net concludes, "Meek’s Cutoff packs enough vision to trigger philosophical thoughts and make anyone glad the transcontinental railroad came along two decades later." Empire Online gives it 4 out of 5 stars and calls it "a slow burn that will richly reward the patient." 86% of Rotten Tomatoes critics gave it a positive review.