The hit series “Reservation Dogs” has captivated audiences with its unique perspective on Indigenous life and culture, and its third and final season has taken a powerful turn by shedding light on the dark origins of the hooved hitchhiker known as Deer Lady. In an interview director Danis Goulet shared the process of bringing this challenging episode, titled “Deer Lady,” to life and the careful considerations that went into addressing the topic of violence in residential boarding schools.
The episode serves as a reflection on the history of residential boarding schools, a painful and disturbing chapter in Indigenous history that has largely been kept out of the mainstream narrative. Goulet’s approach to directing this episode was grounded in portraying the violence and trauma from a perspective that is honest and respectful, yet still impactful for the audience. She sought to avoid the use of well-worn tropes, opting instead for performances that felt genuine and grounded.
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Goulet drew inspiration from 1970s horror movies and the visual style of the 2018 remake of “Suspiria.” These influences provided a framework for crafting a visually engaging episode that conveys the horrific reality while maintaining a touch of the fantastical. The horror movie aesthetics allowed for the creation of a gritty yet stylized world that resonates with the emotions of the characters and the historical context.
The choice of language played a crucial role in the storytelling. The Native children in the episode speak an endangered language, making English incomprehensible to them. This decision was intentional, as it draws the audience into the perspective of the children who were forcibly taken from their families and subjected to violence in unfamiliar environments. By immersing viewers in the children’s point of view, Goulet aimed to evoke empathy and understanding for their experiences.
The episode’s young cast presented a unique challenge, especially when dealing with such heavy subject matter. Goulet emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for the actors and being mindful of the collective trauma that the topic evokes. She approached the filming process with care and sensitivity, engaging in conversations with the young actors and their families to ensure their well-being throughout the production.
Despite the difficult subject matter, Goulet was inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of the young cast members. She highlighted the support of the show’s crew and the Indigenous ethos that permeates the production. This collaborative effort, combined with Goulet’s dedication to honoring the subject matter and the perspectives of the characters, led to a powerful and impactful episode that addresses a painful history while also creating a platform for healing and understanding.
As the final season of “Reservation Dogs” continues to explore significant and often overlooked aspects of Indigenous life, Danis Goulet’s direction of “Deer Lady” stands as a testament to the series’ commitment to authentic storytelling and the importance of giving voice to historical truths. Through careful consideration and a deep understanding of the subject matter, Goulet has created a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant episode that is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences.
“Reservation Dogs” is available for streaming on Hulu, with its final season releasing Wednesdays.