How Director Danis Goulet Renders Reservation Schools akin to a “Horror Movie” in ‘Reservation Dogs’

Unveiling the Haunting Narrative: How Director Danis Goulet Constructs the Disturbing Tale of the “Deer Lady” and the Harrowing Legacy of Residential Schools in ‘Reservation Dogs’

[Please note: This article contains spoilers for Reservation Dogs season three, episode three, “Deer Lady.”]

In the labyrinthine corridors of Reservation Dogs, the enigmatic character of Deer Lady first emerged in the series’ inaugural season, played by the talented Kaniehtiio Horn in the fifth episode, “Come and Get Your Love.” As the show enters its climactic third season, the enigmatic origins of the hooved wanderer come to light, delving into a sinister past that casts a stark spotlight on the violence and trauma inflicted by residential boarding schools in the United States.

A significant step toward acknowledging the historical, impactful, and enduring legacy of these institutions arrived in May 2022 with the U.S. Department of the Interior’s release of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report. Spanning 100 pages, this comprehensive study unveiled a damning truth: over 400 reservation schools were funded by the government across 37 states. Missionary organizations were paid on a per-capita basis for enrolling children, leading to a deeply disturbing history of rampant physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. A staggering 500 deaths were documented in 19 schools during the years spanning 1819 to 1969.

This report surfaced a year after the discovery of over 700 unmarked graves at Canadian residential schools. It also followed the momentous revelations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which unveiled its findings as part of a historic class-action settlement in 2015.

Director Danis Goulet, at the helm of the thought-provoking episode “Deer Lady,” spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about its intricate narrative. Goulet highlighted how the episode, penned by showrunner Sterlin Harjo, serves as a powerful entry point into a disquieting subject matter. It delves into the motivations behind Deer Lady’s actions and, in doing so, offers viewers a harrowing glimpse into the dark corridors of residential schools.

Goulet described her approach to the episode as a delicate balance between authenticity and genre elements. She drew a parallel between the horror genre and the horrors of residential schools, stating, “As soon as I read it, I immediately felt — and I think I’ve felt this for a while — that residential schools are like a horror movie. The horror of it is so present. It is about child abuse and a whole system that was dedicated to the eradication of Native people on their own lands through strategic means.”

The episode adopts a stylized horror film structure, shifting between Deer Lady’s past and the present day as Bear (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) becomes stranded on his journey from California back to Oklahoma. The show’s portrayal of these traumatic events pays homage to ’70s horror cinema, infusing it with elements of realism and fantastical horror.

The episode takes an unflinching approach to its content, showcasing the harshness of life in the school while strategically leaving certain brutalities off-screen. Goulet shared her vision behind this decision, emphasizing the importance of countering the victimization of Indigenous people onscreen. She noted, “What’s so brilliant about Deer Lady as a central character is that she has so much agency. Yes, this happened to her. This shaped her. This made her who she is. But she is out in the world as a force to be reckoned with.”

Navigating the portrayal of violence and trauma was a sensitive endeavor, particularly given the involvement of young Indigenous actors. Goulet discussed the collaborative effort involved, emphasizing the significance of creating a safe space for the cast and crew. With the support of experienced consultants and a deeply committed crew, the episode managed to capture the emotional weight and historical importance of its subject matter.

In an industry often fraught with misrepresentations and negative stereotypes, Reservation Dogs stands as a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and the impact it can have on fostering understanding and empathy. Through “Deer Lady,” Goulet and the creative team provide a hauntingly honest depiction of a painful chapter in history, honoring the resilience of Indigenous communities while confronting the darkness of the past.