Review: Winter's Bone

Film:  Winter's Bone

Starring:  Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Kevin Breznahan, Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Shelley Waggener, Lauren Sweetser, Ashlee Thompson, William White, Casey MacLaren, Isaiah Stone, Valerie Richards, Beth Domann, Tate Taylor, Cody Brown, Cheryl Lee

Director:  Debra Granik
 
Screenwriter:  Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini

Novel: Daniel Woodrell

There's a sense of desolation watching Winter's Bone, but also a strong determination and a feeling of solidarity and community in this back country area, where people keep to themselves, but still lend a hand when one of their own is in need.

Rees, a seventeen year-old who is left raising her two siblings and ailing mother, while her father has disappeared after putting up her home toward his bail, which means that if Reese doesn't find him, her family will be homeless. So she must track him down for the sake of her family, finding herself deeper and deeper into the seedy world where her father once thrived.

While this mystery thriller keeps us guessing as to what happened to her father, it's really an exciting character essay on life in the Ozarks, and an analysis of human nature and trust among neighbors and family.

The cast is fantastic.  I didn't recognize Cheryl Lee, but she was great in a very small, but rich role as one of Rees's father's ex-girlfriends.  Jennifer Hawkins is fantastic as Rees, and John Hawkes is excellent as Teardrop.

Producer  Kathryn Dean was the guest at the Q&A.  She spoke about how many of the cast were locals, who at first were apprehensive about the film, but soon warmed up to it and enjoyed taking part in the story.

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