Winter’s Bone (R) (2010)

If you are seeking glitz and glamour, steer away from this compelling, haunting indy that has none of the sparkles of mainstream Hollywood. If, on the other hand, it’s a good tale spiked with rugged authenticity you desire, be prepared for a large dose. The setting, both geographical and social is the Ozark Mountain region of southern Missouri where both the idiom-loaded speech and the “ways” of the inhabitants go way back in time. A few updates are indicated, such as meth (crank) rather than moonshine, is brewing out behind the shed. The poverty permeates the landscape and necessity makes the locals as tough as  rusty nine-inch nails.
Director/ writer Debra Granik is turning heads with this low-budget take on a lifestyle that few of us are privy to glimpse. The star of “Winter’s Bone,” Jennifer Lawrence is fully capable of dealing with a role that seethes with adult passion and angst way beyond her 19 years as she portrays Ree Dolly, an over-burdened teen. The storytelling capability of the film’s makers far eclipses any summary I’ve read to date. To reveal the plot would add nothing to your enjoyment of this cinematic foray into danger and despair, so I will not attempt to do so.
Adapted from a novel of the same title by Daniel Woodrell, “Winter’s Bone” has it all, suspense, mystery, drama and an almost documentary feel as the reel unwinds. The tenacity of young Ree as she pulls out all stops to keep her rag-tag family together will tug at your heartstrings and her dismal lot in life will make you weep for her. But when things get tough, she gets even tougher. Wait until you meet the extended family, including Ree’s Uncle Teardrop (John Hawkes) and the rugged Merab (Dale Dickey).

“Winter’s Bone” was shot near Branson, Missouri, and in Forsyth, Missouri.  Rating: 4 (out of 4)