Image Credit: Sony Pictures Classics
The latest addition to the Sony Pictures Classics library on Netflix in the United States is a gritty, critically acclaimed modern Western. east of the wallThe drama (which some have dubbed a docu-drama/docu-fiction), which made a splash at Sundance last year, is making its streaming debut on Netflix US next month.
Directed by Kate Beecroft in her feature debut, the film was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics after winning the Audience Award in the NEXT category at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Following a limited theatrical run last August, it is now set to reach a wider audience through the streamer’s output deal with the distributor, which will continue in the US throughout 2026 and expand globally in 2027.
we can confirm this east of the wall Will be available to stream on Netflix US starting Thursday, February 19, 2026.
What is east of the wall About this?
Set against the haunting, haunting beauty of the South Dakota Badlands, this film blurs the line between narrative fiction and documentary. It tells the story of Tabatha, a rebellious, tattooed horse trainer who struggles to keep her farm afloat after her husband’s suicide.
While dealing with her unresolved grief and financial ruin, she turns her home into a shelter for a group of lost teens who have nowhere else to go. His precarious life is challenged when a rich outsider arrives with an offer to buy his land.
official summary, Courtesy Sony PicturesReads:
“East of the Wall is an authentic portrait of female resilience in the ‘New West’ inspired by and starring the women and girls who live there. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher who rescues and resells horses, must make tough decisions to deal with her broken family, financial uncertainty and unresolved grief, while also providing shelter to a group of neighborhood teens.”
tabatha zimiga She plays a version of herself, as does her daughter Portia ZimigaA talented rodeo rider. To anchor the film, Beecroft paired these non-professional actors with seasoned Hollywood veterans:
- Scooter McNairy (argo, stop and catch fire) plays Roy Waters, the wealthy cattleman who moves into their lives.
- jennifer ehle (pride and Prejudice) delivers a scene-stealing performance as Tabatha’s alcoholic mother Tracy.
The film has been compared to Chloé Zhao nomadic land And rider It received rave reviews for its unique casting approach, and received the coveted Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of publication. Scored 95% from 76 reviews.
The sea of positive reviews for the film also includes Carla Hay for Culture Mix. who says movie “A quietly impressive ‘Slice of Life’ semi-biographical drama about a widow’s struggle to keep her farm and her family intact in business. Some viewers will think the film is too slow-paced, but there is real grit in the performances.” LA Times was Most praised the film’s intentions.However he pondered whether he should have just made a documentary and questioned whether it would have a more profound impact, although he ultimately concluded, “
Would you visit the Badlands? east of the wall On 19th February? Let us know in the comments below!