EAST OF WALL is a Sundance-winning indie docu-drama centered on Tabatha Zimiga, a widowed rancher near the South Dakota Badlands who rehabilitates unwanted horses with the help of her teen daughters and foster kids, mostly girls rescued from neglectful families. The film blends documentary-style observation with a fictional narrative, featuring Tabatha playing a version of herself alongside mostly non-actors. It portrays her tough, gritty life as a modern cowgirl striving to support her unconventional family by selling horses at auctions and on TikTok, while navigating financial struggles and complex community dynamics.

While the film’s slow pacing and thin fictional plot may challenge some viewers, its greatest strength lies in its authentic, affecting portrayal of Tabatha’s resilience and commitment to saving both horses and troubled teens. Supported by striking cinematography of the Badlands and strong performances from Scoot McNairy and Jennifer Ehle, EAST OF WALL offers a rare, intimate glimpse into a hard-lived rural world and the empowering work of a remarkable woman. The film opens in theaters on August 15, 2025, and is rated 2.5 out of 4 stars.