Review of The Homesman (2014) by Matthew W — 11 Jun 2015

The Homesman is Tommy Lee Jones' fourth film as director. The Oscar-winner actor has helmed two TV movies and the dark, indie failure The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada. His latest effort, set to hit theaters in November for Oscar consideration, is an accomplished work on all levels and should hit the Academy sweet spot just right.

Jones is aided by Marco Beltrami's magnificent score, stunning cinematography by Oscar nominee Rodrigo Prieto (Brokeback Mountain), and two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank. Swank again delivers a nuanced, sympathetic performance as Mary Bee Cuddy, a woman whose strong, capable exterior hides the pain of a disappointing and solitary life on the plains. She should easily secure a third Oscar nomination for this role, and in a jam-packed Lead Actor category, look out for Jones. He gets better and better with age. That he directed and starred in this film and delivers this kind of performance is formidable. A talented supporting cast - including Meryl Streep in a cameo - all lend gravitas to the sometimes grim journey across the bitter Midwestern flats.

YOU WERE WARNED: The Homesman may leave some viewers disappointed by a cruel plot twist. But it's a film to be enjoyed by discerning adults, cinefiles and fans of award-caliber dramas.