Review of Winter's Bone (2010) by Dillinger P — 21 Feb 2014

Jennifer Lawrence smashes it out the park again in this hugely uncomfortable and haunting thriller. Ree, a 17 year old sibling, is forced to look after and train up her little brother and sister, as her mother is mentally unwell and her father is no where to be seen.

Broke and desperate, The family rely on help from neighbours and hunting squirrel for food. However when Ree receives word that her father has vanished before a court hearing and if he isnt found before, the family risk losing the house.

Its a moody and atmospheric outing from the get go, with some very stark and cricketty country side settings. However it begins almost formuliac, Ree just moves from house to house searching for her father, its confusing, because if your full attention is not on it, you have no idea who shes speaking with or what could have happened to him.

This film doesnt stand holding sign posts over everyones heads and once or twice I was left thinking, right hold up a minute what is going on here. Jennifer is fantastic as Ree, really playing the whole part down, no ametuer dramatics and over the top mannerisms, she attaches herself to the role subtley and expertly.

The supporting cast are great too, adding to a rich and suspenceful world. The cinematography and direction is great and its well paced, bar the clunky begining. This film is one of those ones you need to watch twice to really get the full perspective on it but its worth your time and money.

intriguing, haunting and a powerhouse performance from Lawrence,she is definatly one to watch out for.