Watch Blue Ruin

Blue Ruin is a slow-burning indie thriller that is an impressive directorial debut from writer and director Jeremy Saulnier. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013 and earned critical acclaim for its understated tension and strong performances. The plot follows Dwight, a homeless man living on the outskirts of society. His life is turned upside down when he learns that the man who murdered his parents has been released from prison. Fueled by revenge, Dwight sets out to track down the killer and bring him to justice.

The film is named after the dilapidated blue Pontiac that Dwight drives throughout the story. It serves as a symbol for the character's state of mind - broken and in ruins. Macon Blair plays Dwight with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and unsettling. He is a man consumed by his mission, haunted by his past, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goal.

The movie's violence is not gratuitous or over-the-top. Instead, it is realistic and impactful, serving as a reminder of the consequences of violence. The film's pacing is deliberate and methodical, which allows for the tension to build gradually throughout the story. This is enhanced by the film's minimalistic score, which adds to the tension without being intrusive.

Devin Ratray plays Dwight's high school friend Ben, who reluctantly agrees to help Dwight with his mission. Despite his reservations, Ben proves to be a valuable ally to Dwight. Amy Hargreaves plays Sam, Dwight's estranged sister, whose involvement with the killer's family puts her in danger.

The film's cinematography is beautiful, highlighting the stark contrast between the rundown areas where Dwight lives and the picturesque beach houses of the killer's family. The use of natural lighting adds to the film's realism, while the use of handheld cameras immerses the audience in the action.

One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of Dwight's character arc. Through his mission, he discovers a sense of purpose and reclaims his identity that he had lost after his parents' death. However, this newfound purpose comes at a cost, as he becomes increasingly violent and ruthless in his pursuit of justice.

Blue Ruin is a quiet and powerful thriller that is both intense and emotional. It is a character-driven story that explores the consequences of violence and the toll it takes on those who commit it. The film eschews traditional revenge movie tropes in favor of a more grounded and realistic approach. It is a testament to the power of indie filmmaking and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted thriller.

Blue Ruin is a 2014 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 78.