Director Kelly Reichardt’s tender period drama First Cow was initially slated to open in the spring at the Belcourt, but was ultimately released via video on demand this summer. It’s a beautiful, heart-wrenching film made all the more affecting by noted guitarist William Tyler’s score. Though Tyler moved to Los Angeles several years ago, we still like to claim the native Nashvillian as one of our own, particularly when his work tugs at the heartstrings as well as Music From First Cow does. Using meditative fingerpicked guitars — and a little bit of dulcimer — the musician crafted a placid, evocative background for Reichardt’s tale of friendship and struggle in the 19th-century Pacific Northwest. Now available for purchase both digitally and on vinyl, Music From First Cow is also a lovely listen all on its own. D. PATRICK RODGERS
Best Film Score
William Tyler, Music From First Cow
