Fresh
The world doesn't need another empty genre exercise. But as Blue Ruin reminds us, it can always use more filmmakers of Saulnier's resourcefulness, sensitivity and quiet assurance.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
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Blue Ruin
Overview
When the quiet life of a beach bum is upended by dreadful news, he sets off for his childhood home to carry out an act of vengeance. However, he proves an inept assassin and finds himself in a brutal fight to protect his estranged family.
Director and cast
- Jeremy Saulnier Director
- Macon Blair as Dwight Evans
- Devin Ratray as Ben Gaffney
- Amy Hargreaves as Sam Evans
- Kevin Kolack as Teddy Cleland
- Eve Plumb as Kris Cleland
- Stacy Rock as Hope Cleland
- David Thompson as William
- Brent Werzner as Carl Cleland
- Sandy Barnett as Wade Cleland Jr.
- Sidné Anderson as Officer Eddy
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
96%
Tomatometer
Fresh
With the same brand of realist irony the Coens used to cool down Blood Simple, writer-director Jeremy Saulnier slows the genre's heartbeat to gripping effect.
Keith Staskiewicz, Entertainment Weekly
Fresh
Saulnier is also a cinematographer, and he's in complete control of the film's conflation of human-scale horror and tragicomedy.
Wesley Morris, Grantland
Fresh
Blair, an unheralded actor, carries the whole picture. He's in practically every scene, and his performance is fascinating because in his eyes you can see the character struggling desperately with himself.
Soren Anderson, Seattle Times
Fresh
Saulnier makes impressive use of silence and slow camera movements, allowing the suspense to simmer until violence seems practically inevitable.
Ben Sachs, Chicago Reader
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