Winter's Bone

Winter's Bone was one of the best picture noms that I missed seeing before the Academy Awards, so I'm glad that I was able to see it at Signs & Wonders.

Winter's Bone is very much a character-driven film. The main character, 17 year old Ree Dolly (played by Jennifer Lawrence), bears the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings, as well as everything else around the house because her mother is handicapped, and her father, who is out of jail on bail, hasn't been seen for some time. After the sheriff notifies Ree that their house will be taken unless her father shows up at his court date because it was put up as part of his bond, Ree sets out to find her father. Throughout the film, we see Ree's character traits of strength and unflinching resolve. Not much later, we are introduced to the character of Teardrop, Ree's uncle. Teardrop is an interesting character because of the fact that although he comes off as being coarse, and uses questionable methods to reach his goals, the viewer is still led to feel sympathy for him as the film goes on.

Winter's Bone is a well-made film that gives the viewer a glimpse into a meth-infused Missouri social structure that has consequences for breaking what is considered acceptable behavior. Highly recommend.