Jeremy Saulnier's sophomore effort just so happens to be one of the best revenge thrillers of recent years. This guy really came out of nowhere and has a great career ahead of him! As with Murder Party (2007), it has a low budget (was successfully crowdfunded!), and is a competently made film. It takes a grounded, serious approach to its subject matter, which is all for the best.The film follows Dwight Evans (Macon Blair), a quiet vagrant who lives out of his car. When he's informed by police that the killer of his parents, Wade Cleland is being released from prison, he returns to his hometown in Virginia to seek revenge. He kills Wade and must face the grim consequences of his actions when the rest of the Cleland family seeks revenge of their own.
What's great about the film is the harsh reality of revenge it depicts. Dwight's motivations for wanting revenge are understandable and he's initially depicted as a guy who has nothing to lose, but he finds himself completely unprepared and makes crucial mistakes when murdering Wade. The consequences affect not only him, but his sister, Sam (Amy Hargreaves), and her two daughters, whom he must send away in order to protect them. The fact that the police aren't present in the film other than to inform Dwight of Wade's release is terrifying and makes for a more tense film. The scene in particular where Wade's surviving brother's break into Sam's house is brilliant and shows that the rules no longer apply when seeking retribution. Dwight finds himself suffering both physically and mentally from the consequences of his actions and we as viewers feel just as uncertain and uneasy as he does by everything that's happening.
As for the cinematography, it's flawless and demonstrates Saulnier's previous background as a cinematographer. The acting, especially from Macon Blair is also top notch. He's very believable in his role as Dwight and one can't help but sympathize with him even though he sets the grim events into motion. The only "big" actor in the film happens to be Devin Ratray (Buzz from the Home Alone flicks!) as Ben, an old friend of Dwight's who assists him despite knowing better. I say the lack of big names or experienced talent works in the film's favor because it demonstrates that they aren't a necessity to make a great film. The music also fits the mood of the film, especially the song that plays over the end credits.
In this day and age when a lot of revenge films are basically overblown and over the top action films, it's great that a film like this comes along and gives them more credibility. Its focus on character and story first is what makes it a brilliant film.