Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) must find her meth-cooking father who has vanished after putting their family home up to post bail. If she doesn't find him and force him to show up to his court date they will lose their home. Ree has two younger sibling and a mother who has lost much touch of reality. Needless to say, seh doesn't have anywhere to go or many options. She starts asking neighbors questions as to where her father might be and ends up getting into much more trouble then desired.
I appreciate the new age in cinema of realism and struggle. It wasn't an over the top dramatic role or a boring story of loss and burden. It was done nearly perfect and one can easily see why it was a favorite at Sundance. The casting looks as if they just had an invisible camera and followed people around in the mountains of Missouri. The dialogue of the characters was also believable and important to the script. These weren't deep thinkers who could deliver a story changing monologue, and you are never force to believe that they are. These are simple people with tragic problems and all they can do is try their damnest to survive.
You feel for Ree's struggle but are uplifted by her courage and strength. I couldn't help but think if I were her I'd just fall out and cry...even if I wasn't 17. But that isn't the point. You're not supposed to feel sorry for her, you're supposed to identify with doing whatever is in your power to protect your family. I recommend this film for anyone who feels like their going through a tough time. Things could always be worst. Especially in the one boat scene. Yea, I am thankful I never had to go through that.
8/10
Cheers
