Credit: Bleecker Street / Stage 6 Films

Netflix routinely removes non-original titles from its platform, but subscribers are never truly ready for them. One such removal that’s about to hit hard is the 2021 neo-Western drama, Montana Story.

Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the movie follows estranged half-siblings Cal and Erin who return to the Montana ranch they once lived in after their father becomes comatose, living on crucial life support. But instead of soaking up the final few moments, their return becomes a confrontation with their abusive past.

Scheduled to leave Netflix on September 26th, the neo-Western drama Montana Story officially puts Netflix users on a race against time. With less than a week left, everyone needs to act fast if they really want to make the most of its streaming availability.

For those wondering why Montana Story is leaving Netflix, well, it is because the streaming giant doesn’t own the movie. Bleecker Street and Stage 6 Films have distributed the film. As a result, Netflix acquired the streaming rights through a licensing agreement for a specific period, which ends next week.

In most cases, whenever a contract window closes, the distribution rights revert to the original owner unless Netflix or any streaming service, for that matter, chooses to negotiate a renewal. This, again, depends on a few rigid metrics. If the cost to extend the distribution contract outweighs the active viewership numbers in a specific region, streamers might let the license expire. Subsequently, the original studio may license the title to another platform.

Since it’s still unknown where Montana Story might end up next, considering Netflix has reconsidered renewing the licensing agreement, the safe bet is to watch the film right now and leave no room for regrets. And if you’re new to the block and are still intrigued by the premise, here are a few more pointers to convince you.

The neo-Western drama relies on slow-burn atmosphere and stresses the power of dialogue and imagery, distancing itself from fast-paced action. If you’re into grounded, character-driven indie dramas, the stunning visuals, character arcs, and isolated Montana landscape will hit just the right chord.

Clocking in at a tight 1 hour and 53 minutes, Montana Story is one of the most well-received contemporary entries of the neo-Western genre, with a staggering 87% Rotten Tomatoes score. Therefore, it is definitely worth a watch before it bids farewell to Netflix.