The Mustang (2019) review

In a Nevada prison, taciturn inmate Roman (Matthias Schoenerts), known for having a violent temper (he killed his wife), enters a program run by Myles (Bruce Dern) to help break wild mustangs (that are later sold to law enforcement and farmers) - he's hesitant at first, but then he develops an affinity for his horse.  It plays out like a very charming short story adapted to the screen, with Roman's suffering quite apparent (Schoenerts is a fine actor) - the moments with his daughter Martha (Gideon Adlon) are touching - and though the concept reads like a bad headline - Killer Humanized by Caring for Something (also see: Birdman of Alcatraz) - the sense of composure by De Clermont-Tonnerre (herself an actress) is commendable, considering this is her feature debut.  In the debate between Punitive Justice and Restorative Justice, it's clear which side she's on ... now let's wrangle a horse for every single prisoner and see where those recidivism rates go.