The New West

Since her husband’s death, Tabatha – a determined woman with lots of tattoos, platinum-blonde hair and a big heart – has been running the ranch in South Dakota on her own. Her horses are superbly trained, and her eldest daughter, Porshia, is a star at the rodeo. But money is tight, as the horses – which Tabatha also sells via TikTok – aren’t fetching the prices they deserve. What’s more, she’s not only supporting her own children, but also a number of young people who have fled to her to escape neglect or alcoholism. One day, Roy turns up at a rodeo and offers to buy the ranch.

Whilst travelling through the USA, Kate Beecroft discovered Tabatha Zimiga’s ranch in South Dakota, east of the town of Wall (hence the film’s original title, EAST OF WALL). She was so fascinated by the place that she later returned there and lived there for three years. Eventually, she wrote a screenplay about Tabatha and her charges, who play themselves in the film.