Review of Winter's Bone (2010) by Greg L — 03 Sep 2012

A tense, grim, and emotionally gripping neo-noir set against the backdrop of the drug trade in rural America, "Winter's Bone" has something to offer regardless of what you watch movies for.

Director Debra Granik shoots in a low-light, naturalistic style perfect for the bleak, poverty-stricken setting and a story that's built more on dramatic tension than action - unlike in most crime films the violence more often than not happens offstage here - but she nevertheless captures some striking images and masterfully builds a mood of dread throughout.

And star Jennifer Lawrence's breakout performance as a smart, tough, and perhaps foolishly courageous young woman trying to save her family is backed up by excellent supporting performances from John Hawkes as her conflicted, meth-addicted uncle and Dale Dickey as a ruthless criminal matriarch.

The only real flaw is a less-than-satisfying conclusion that leaves a few plot threads unresolved. But it's still a terrific movie - not always a pleasant to watch, but terrific.