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Films about teens who get themselves in trouble and need some tough love are really nothing new. Most of the time, they’ll need the help of a beloved teacher or a tough coach to help them turn their life around. But Netflix’s drama Concrete Cowboy definitely offers an unexpected twist on the typical story.
Concrete Cowboy follows the story of Cole (Caleb McLaughlin), a troubled teen from Detroit who’s sent to Philadelphia to live with his estranged father, Harp (Idris Elba), after he’s expelled from school for fighting. Cole wants nothing to do with his dad, his rules, or his cowboy friends, who ride horses at the Fletcher Street Stables—and he’s happy to connect with his old friend, Smush (Jharrel Jerome). But as he starts spending his days at the stables, he knows he’ll have to choose between Smush’s life on the streets and his dad’s life in the saddle.
Inspired by the real Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in north Philadelphia, Concrete Cowboy explores Cole’s choices, his mistakes, and his relationships—all set against an unexpected backdrop of urban horsemanship.
Cole’s story isn’t really surprising. In fact, it won’t take long for most viewers to figure out most of the main plot and how all of the characters will fit into it. What is surprising, however, is the setting. Just as Cole is shocked to walk around the corner and see men and women riding horses through the city, audiences will be amazed by this unexpected sight, too. But as Cole eventually finds himself working at the stables and getting to know the riders, these characters come to life—through their care for the horses, their camaraderie, and their late-night talks around the campfire, as if they were out on the open range.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t really shine a light on the mission of the Fletcher Street Stables. It’s seen as a time-honored tradition—and maybe a bit of a novelty. As the closing credits roll, some of the real-life riders (who also appear in the film) share a little of their story—but the value of this organization to Philadelphia’s youth isn’t really highlighted.
The mix of teen drama and urban horseback riding definitely gives Concrete Cowboy a different twist. But it puts a little too much focus in the familiar aspects of the young character’s story, when the cowboys are much more interesting. So while it’s an unexpected film, it isn’t as memorable—nor as powerful—as it could have been.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
