I wasn’t expecting a lot from Concrete Cowboy. It looked like another inspirational ‘hood’ film. I thought that its exotic premise (inspired by the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club based in Philadelphia) would be all it would have going for it. Having watched the film, I can now say that while I did get more than I expected, I was left wondering whether the narrative film was the best medium for this story.

This Netflix original film centres on a 15-year-old boy who is forced to stay with his father in Philadelphia. To his surprise, he discovers that his father is one of a bunch of urban cowboys who run a horse stable in the neighbourhood. The boy joins the group, learning to ride the horses. It gives him meaning but it is also difficult, making the fun but dangerous life of the local drug dealer incredibly tempting.

The Characters

Cole, our 15-year-old protagonist, didn’t surprise me but perhaps he wasn’t supposed to. The script seems to understand this as it wastes no time in establishing him. Within the first five minutes we know who Cole is, what his problems are and where he’s going. He may not be memorable but for what he is, he’s quite well written.

He definitely fulfils his function as our surrogate as we are introduced to the cowboys. They enlighten him on the nature of the neighbourhood, the individuals and lifestyles to avoid all the while teaching him the mucky business of caring for horses. There are many poignant scenes of Cole and the cowboys bonding with their horses. In a way, we see that the horses symbolise the ideal life, a life of discipline and responsibility but also of safety and community.

The cowboy characters are memorable as each has their own story about how they got into horse riding. Of all of them, Paris I found to be the most likable. Wheelchair bound due to a shattered spine, Paris teaches Cole the basics. He’s strict with the teenager but also compassionate, Paris is the first of the group who really motivates the Detroit youth.

Beyond the premise and a few decent characters, Concrete Cowboy doesn’t go anywhere unexpected. If you’ve seen many hood films then you know what’s going to happen. Cole is tempted by an old childhood friend who’s now a drug dealer to assist him in his enterprise. He sees the consequences of the illegal trade, retreats to his communal life in the stable and tries his best to protect it from the authorities that want it torn down.

I was ready to call Concrete Cowboy a failure before the film was finished. However, when it did finish and the credits started to roll, I saw something extraordinary.

The True Story

This isn’t really a spoiler but as the credits roll, interviews with actual members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club play. Many of them, to my surprise, are main parts of the cast. I had heard that some of the real riders were in the film but I assumed they only had bit parts, I never guessed that they had supporting roles. The character of Paris for example, I learned is played by a gentleman called Jamil Prattis.

In the interviews each rider describes their upbringing, their background, how they got into horse riding and how it helped them avoid crime. They’re fascinating and quite touching testimonies. I was so taken aback by these interviews that after a while I thought ‘why wasn’t this a documentary?’

The premise itself is unique so why not tackle it head on in a factual film? Don’t waste time crafting a whole narrative around the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club. Interview the members, listen to what they have to say and go from there. The results would be a lot more interesting and impactful I believe.

All I can say about Concrete Cowboy is if the premise really intrigues you, maybe check it out. However if the idea of modern urban cowboys doesn’t enthral you then I’d say skip it. The film takes a good factual premise and wastes it.

I give Concrete Cowboy an underwhelming 5 out of 10.