The Mustang  ★★★½

BELGIAN actor Matthias Schoennarts adds to his impressive list of credits with another compelling performance in The Mustang.

This 2019 drama tells the moving story of a prisoner who finds redemption through participation in an unique rehabilitation program.

Roman is a brooding, volatile loner estranged from his pregnant daughter and lacking hope and purpose.

The prison in which he is incarcerated is located in America’s mid-west and some prisoners work with a local rancher training wild horses for sale.

Despite several setbacks, Roman finds himself slowly drawn to the program and the majestic animals and is eventually paired with an equally wild and seemingly untameable mustang.

The parallels are obvious, but the carefully crafted script doesn’t labour them, instead allowing Roman to slowly understand and find the ability to explain the impact upon his life.

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre directed and co-wrote the film after coming upon a similar actual program that occurs at a Nevada prison.

The beautiful visuals, courtesy of Ruben Impens, span sweeping landscapes to close-ups depicting the bond between man and beast.

Veteran Bruce Dern as Henry, the rancher who helps Roman realise his potential, leads the strong supporting cast which seems to also include real ranchers and possibly inmates.

But overall the film relies on Schoennaerts to bring authenticity and emotion to a difficult role and he succeeds admirably.