I saw this film when it first came out on DVD. Jennifer Lawrence (nominated for best actress) is a diamond in the rough. She drives this movie all the way to the end. She is that good in her role as 17 year old Ree. There is much more going on in the Ozarks in this film, than one could imagine. Ree’s father has disappeared. She has to find him to prove he’s dead in order to save her home. Her mother is helpless and unhelpful. Ree also has to care for her little brother and sister.
The film is gritty, depressing and interesting. Everything about it is depressing. Ree has to beat a lot of odds to get to the truth and find her father. This is not at all a pretty film, but it is powerful. I don’t want to give away too much of it, because you will be shocked at some of it. But you won’t be shocked for the language, violence or gore; you will be for a storyline that is good and an actress who is perfect in her role.
This is the just the kind of depressing move that is often nominated for these awards. Jennifer Lawrence however, is a bright light in the dark world. She made me want to care about her and root for her. Her performance got my attention and held it. I watched the movie because Jennifer is THAT good. Not to down play John Hawkes (nominated as best supporting actor) as her uncle, he is good too. This is normally the kind of movie I think of as a downer. When the central character of said movie fights so hard to win at all costs, it’s either a cliché or works really well. Because of Jennifer’s understated performance, it works and it works well.
The film is abased on book by Daniel Woodrell. And was also nominated for best adapted screenplay.
Rating – 4 stars
