Dances with Wolves 2: The Plains Call (2025)
Rating: 8/10 – Timeless. Thoughtful. Moving.

In Dances with Wolves 2: The Plains Call, we find ourselves revisiting the heart of the American frontier, nearly three decades after the poignant events of the original film. The legacy of Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) continues through his son, Tate Dunbar (Forrest Goodluck), who has been raised in the Lakota traditions and values. The once peaceful landscapes that had once been the cradle of a harmonious existence between Native Americans and the settlers are now rapidly being transformed by the expansion of the railroad, an unyielding force that threatens the way of life for the indigenous tribes.

At the core of this new chapter is Tate’s internal struggle. He is torn between the world of his father—a soldier turned ally to the Lakota—and the encroaching world of modernity that his people cannot escape. Tate embodies the complex tension of cultural inheritance and personal identity. Raised among the Lakota, he has always been guided by their ancestral ways, learning from elders like Kicking Bird (Wes Studi) and Smiles A Lot (Irene Bedard), who impart wisdom and history, but as the railroad cuts through their sacred lands, Tate finds himself questioning the path laid out for him by his father.

As the Dunbar family once stood as a symbol of cultural reconciliation, Tate faces a future that no longer honors the sacred alliance between settlers and natives. The arrival of industrial forces rips through the land, and while the Lakota have always been resilient, the rising tide of settlers threatens their very existence. The film dives deep into the emotional scars of a people who are forced to confront their past while grappling with the uncertain future that lies ahead. Can they preserve their traditions, or will they be swept away in the relentless march of progress?

The plot unfolds against the backdrop of monumental change. The tensions between Native American tribes and the incoming settlers escalate. The Lakota Nation, once a proud and self-sustaining people, is now pushed to the brink of extinction as the railroad carves a path of devastation through the very heart of their land. As Tate struggles to find his place in this shifting world, he faces the unthinkable—betrayals within his own community, divided loyalties, and his ultimate fight for survival.

The film beautifully explores themes of personal identity, cultural heritage, and the perseverance of the human spirit. The legacy of the original film is woven through Tate’s journey as he not only grapples with the expectation to carry on his father’s memory but also struggles to redefine it in his own image. The haunting and evocative score carries the emotional weight of these personal and cultural struggles, capturing the film’s spirit and intensity. The cinematic landscapes are as breathtaking as ever, with the plains of the West stretching out as a silent witness to the passing of time, the inevitable changes, and the erasure of traditions.

The characters in The Plains Call are multifaceted, representing the complexities of survival in a changing world. Kicking Bird and Smiles A Lot provide guidance to Tate, but they too must confront their own fears about the future. The elders, although once proud and strong, now feel the weight of impending extinction. Even the buffalo herds, which once symbolized the strength and vitality of the Lakota, are rapidly vanishing, symbolizing the fragility of the old world and the forces that threaten it.

While The Plains Call doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal realities of history—betrayal, loss, and the emotional scars of war—it also finds hope in the resilience of its characters. Tate’s journey reflects the struggle of indigenous people throughout American history, torn between preserving their culture and adapting to a new, unrecognizable world. The emotional core of the film remains the Lakota people’s fight not only for survival but for dignity, freedom, and the preservation of their way of life.

Forrest Goodluck, stepping into the role of Tate Dunbar, brings a nuanced depth to a character grappling with immense pressure. His performance is one of inner conflict, portraying Tate’s struggle with the weight of expectations placed on him, both by his father’s legacy and his people. His portrayal of Tate is raw and authentic, capturing the heartache, confusion, and resilience that define the character’s journey. Alongside Goodluck, Kevin Costner returns as John Dunbar in a pivotal supporting role, his presence still lingering as a father’s wisdom, even if his physical form is absent. His guidance, both spiritual and practical, continues to echo in Tate’s decisions.

Tantoo Cardinal and Wes Studi reprise their roles as members of the Lakota tribe, now elders who offer Tate their wisdom and teachings but also face their own personal struggles with the changes occurring around them. Their performances continue to be a cornerstone of the film, lending gravitas to the themes of cultural preservation and resilience. Irene Bedard, too, returns as Smiles A Lot, offering a gentle but firm presence as a protector and guiding light to Tate’s character.

As the film crescendos to its gripping climax, Tate is forced to confront his identity and decide whether to follow in his father’s footsteps or forge a path that reconciles the past and the present. The decision he makes has repercussions not just for his family, but for the Lakota Nation as a whole, as they battle to preserve their way of life against a rapidly changing world.

Dances with Wolves 2: The Plains Call is a masterful continuation of the epic story that began in Dances with Wolves, paying homage to the strength and resilience of the Lakota people while acknowledging the painful history that shaped their struggle. The film serves as both a love letter to indigenous cultures and a somber reflection on the unstoppable forces of change that shape the destiny of nations. It will leave audiences contemplating the cost of progress, the value of cultural identity, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to let go of their heritage.

Starring: Forrest Goodluck, Kevin Costner, Tantoo Cardinal, Irene Bedard, Wes Studi
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Produced by: Icon Productions
 Genre: Historical Epic, Action, Drama

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