

A jailbird activist and a broken buffalo walk into the desert—no punchline, just liberation.
AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL FOR CLIMATE ACTIVISM A YOUNG WOMAN ENCOUNTERS AN ABUSED RODEO BUFFALO FOR WHICH SHE TREKS THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST TO FREE IT AND HERSELF
Acting
Jena Malone staring at horizons like they owe her money.
Cinematography
Southwest landscapes that swallow characters whole.
Direction
Gessner treating the buffalo as co-lead, not prop.
Director
Christopher Gessner
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title's double meaning—'buff' as buffalo and slang for enthusiast—suggests Joss's own obsession with rescue becomes the thing that might consume her.
Shot during actual climate protests in the Southwest; extras include real activists who'd been recently arrested. The jail scenes hit different knowing that.