By: Joshua Finley
It’s not every day that an indie film breaks through to the Oscars, but when it does, it’s a moment to remember. Just look at Matthew McConaughey, who won Best Actor for Dallas Buyers Club—a low-budget indie production that captured Hollywood’s heart. Now, Eric Nelsen, known for his role in 1883, might be on a similar path with his portrayal of the famed Western artist Charles M. Russell in Buffalo Daze: The Times and Life of Jim Grinder.
For Nelsen, stepping into the role of Charlie Russell wasn’t just about playing a character—it was about capturing the essence of the American West. “Playing Charlie Russell was about more than just putting on a costume; it was about embodying the spirit of the West,” Nelsen explains.
Much of Nelsen’s performance was shot in the actual studio of Charles M. Russell at the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana. His portrayal of Russell brings an intimate theatricality to the screen, guiding the audience through the narrative of Buffalo Daze.
The film itself tells the remarkable true story of Jim Grinder, a Shuswap “Indian cowboy” known for his deep connection with horses, a trait that earned him the title of “horse whisperer.” Unlike the gunslingers typically romanticized in Westerns, Grinder was a different kind of hero. After a brief run-in with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Grinder found refuge on Montana’s Flathead Indian Reservation, where he met Russell. Together, they fought to protect the buffalo and challenged racial injustices of the time.
“The story of Jim Grinder, told through Charlie’s eyes, carries a weight that goes beyond just acting—it’s a journey through history,” says Nelsen.
The cast of Buffalo Daze features several notable names from the “Yellowstone” universe, including Mo Brings Plenty (Yellowstone), Leenah Robinson (1923), Crystle Lightning (Lawmen: Bass Reeves), and Glen Gould (Tulsa King). Buffalo Daze orbits in the Yellowstone Universe.
Adding to the film’s depth, country music artist Ned LeDoux and actors Chris Mulkey (A Broken Trail), Georgina Lightning (Alaska Daily), Eddie Spears (Hell on Wheels), Eugene Brave Rock (Wonder Woman), and Shelby Factor (Reservation Dogs) deliver standout performances. The film’s score, crafted by five-time Emmy-winner Jose Manuel Cancela (Ray Donovan), is a perfect complement to its rich, country-heavy soundtrack.
“When I read the script, I knew Buffalo Daze was more than just another Western—it’s a tribute to the rugged beauty and untamed spirit of the West,” Nelsen adds.
Grinder’s story unfolds across the U.S.-Canada border during the lead-up to World War I, with a key subplot involving his interactions with Charles Allard, Jr., a powerful figure on the reservation. Allard, Jr., portrayed by Eddie Spears, plays a crucial role in Grinder’s life, adding layers to the film’s narrative.
“We often talk about breaking down stereotypes in films about Indigenous people, but in Buffalo Daze, we actually do it,” says Spears, who brings intensity to his portrayal of Allard, Jr.
“Allard, Jr. was a powerful figure in Flathead Indian country—so influential that even white politicians couldn’t ignore him. He wasn’t someone to be pushed around,” Spears explains.
Brady Jandreau, who takes on the role of Jim Grinder, brings the same authenticity to this film as he did in The Rider, a movie that helped earn Nomadland it’s Oscar.
“Grinder was the first ‘World Champion’ buffalo rider, and his rivalry with Jackson Sundown was one of the earliest in American rodeo history. They were like the Peyton Manning and Tom Brady of their time,” Jandreau quips.
“The strength of Buffalo Daze lies in its ability to weave together themes of humanity, nature, and art into a compelling Western narrative. I’m honored to be part of this project, and I hope it’s just the beginning of a story that deserves to be told,” Nelsen remarks.
Roberta Sparta (Obi-Wan Kenobi), part of the film’s production team, mentions that a pilot for a potential miniseries is already prepared, pending the movie’s distribution. “Grinder’s life spanned from the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant to the days of Jimmy Carter, so there’s no shortage of incredible stories to explore,” she says.
Roberta Sparta is confident in the success of Buffalo Daze. She notes, “Buffalo Daze is uniquely positioned for commercial success, bridging the gap between Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and 1923 by delving into that crucial, transitional period in Western history.”
Writer and director Raen LeVell reflects on the influence of Taylor Sheridan, saying, “Taylor’s work has reignited interest in Westerns, and we’re grateful for the path he’s paved. The story of Jim Grinder is one that truly deserves to be told.”
Published by: Martin De Juan
