Most films offer escapism for the viewer, allowing the audience to leave the cinema having forgotten about the pile of work on their desk that awaits them on Monday morning, and the ongoing arguments they’re having with their spouse. Winter’s Bone forces you to realise that your life is perfect, regardless of the day-to-day trivialities that get you down.
This bleak social thriller, which won prizes for best American drama at Sundance this year, is set among Missouri’s Ozark Mountains and is an adaptation of the 2006 book by Daniel Woodrall. We follow Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence), a 17 year-old who has found herself the surrogate mother to her younger brother and sister. Their mother is suffering from depression and stays in the house, leaving her children to fend for themselves. Her father has disappeared, skipping his bail, and leaving Ree in charge of finding him before his impending court date otherwise the family will lose their home.
Ree takes us on a journey through the dark winters woods, in search of her father. Calling on her family, we soon realise how alone in the world Ree is, as the warped intertwining of her aunts, uncles and cousins soon becomes clear, and the chances of her ever finding her father become bleaker and bleaker.
It won’t make you feel good, but you’ll feel lucky. Already being tipped for Oscar glory, Winter’s Bone is definitely one to watch.
Before you book your tickets, check out our interview with director Debra Granik and star Jennifer Lawrence.
