Review of Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013) by Rudy M — 19 Jan 2014

Ain't Them Bodies Saints is "The tale of an outlaw who escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas.

Hills to reunite with his wife and the daughter he has never met." At least, that's how it's marketed. It's indeed one side of the story, which is a little more complex than the above would have you believe. The film is more about the fallout of a crime spree than about a planned family reunion.

The movie was written and directed by David Lowery and features Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck and Ben Foster.

In the lead roles. The actors all perform their roles very well. Affleck gets a lot of criticism for playing 'the same character as he did in The Killer Inside Me', but people who say that, miss the point.

The real star of Ain't Them Bodies Saints is Rooney Mara as Ruth Guthrie, who gets tangled up in life as it moves on with her guy Bob Muldoon (Affleck) serving time in prison. She and her daughter get involved with police officer Wheeler (Ben Foster), who, coincidentally and unbeknownst to everyone except Bob and Ruth, was wounded by Ruth in the shoot-out that led to Bob's arrest. As a mother, Ruth's priorities have changed over time and she struggles with the attention she gets from Wheeler and the prospect of a reunion with Bob.

The story is set in a brooding Southern scenery which was captured picture perfect. Its mood, characters and pacing almost give it a timeless quality. And while the subject matter could have been presented in a much more heavy and melancholy way, this film doesn't drag itself down, it's surprisingly light in its delivery. Don't expect big explosions or superheroes doing their thing. But do expect to think about (and wish for) different outcomes of the story as it progresses.

I would have liked a little more background on Bob Muldoon and his past and his enemies. You see the change in Ruth as life moves on. It's a little harder to predict Bob's moves as he tries to evade the authorities and reconnect with his woman and the daughter he never met. It isn't too much of a deal, since Ruth is the main focus here, but I believe Affleck's character may have benefited from a broader back story.

Pros: great visuals, good characters and actors.

Cons: sometimes slow-paced, could have benefited from longer set-up.

Verdict: Better than most.