
First Cow is a Western film that incorporates many classic elements of the genre, such as frontier life, rugged landscapes, and the quest for fortune in the American West. Typical Western themes of survival, camaraderie, and moral ambiguity are present, with the story set in the 1820s Oregon Territory, highlighting the challenges and isolation faced by early settlers. What sets First Cow apart from other Westerns is its focus on the quiet relationship between two outsiders—a taciturn cook and a Chinese immigrant—who engage in a subtle act of rebellion by stealing milk from a wealthy landowner's prized cow. Unlike traditional action-driven Westerns, this film emphasizes character development, economic struggle, and the nuances of friendship against the backdrop of early American capitalism. The presence of a Chinese immigrant character also provides a unique cultural perspective rarely explored in the genre.