Watch The Driftless Area

In "The Driftless Area," a 2015 indie drama film directed by Zachary Sluser, we follow the story of Pierre Hunter (Anton Yelchin), a bartender in a small town in Wisconsin with a mysterious and dark past. After the death of his parents, Pierre decides to stay in the town and live a seemingly ordinary life. However, things take a turn when he meets Stella (Zooey Deschanel), a woman who he immediately feels a connection to. But, their relationship is complicated by Shane (John Hawkes), a criminal who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants.

The film begins with an eerie and mysterious tone as Pierre narrates the story of his parents' death in a plane crash. The opening scenes set the tone for the rest of the movie, which explores themes of love, fate, and the unknown. As Pierre struggles to understand his past and find meaning in his present, he becomes drawn to Stella, a woman with a troubled past of her own.

One of the strengths of "The Driftless Area" is its unique blend of genres. The film combines elements of romance, mystery, and crime thriller, creating a story that keeps the audience engaged and interested. It's not often that we see a movie that can pull off so many different genres, but "The Driftless Area" does it with ease.

Anton Yelchin delivers a solid performance in one of his final roles before his untimely death. Yelchin brings a depth to Pierre's character that keeps the audience invested in his story. The chemistry between Yelchin and Deschanel is also noteworthy, as their characters' romance develops naturally and feels genuine.

Zooey Deschanel is also impressive in her role as Stella. Deschanel is known for her quirky and charming performances, but in "The Driftless Area," she brings a rawness and vulnerability to her character that we haven't seen before. Stella is a complex character, and Deschanel does an excellent job of portraying her struggles and insecurities.

John Hawkes delivers a standout performance as the menacing and dangerous Shane. Hawkes has a natural ability to portray characters with dark and twisted personalities, and Shane is no exception. He's a character that you love to hate, and his scenes are some of the most intense in the film.

The cinematography in "The Driftless Area" is also worth mentioning. The film was shot in various locations in Wisconsin, and the beauty of the landscape is captured beautifully on camera. The naturalistic approach to the cinematography adds to the film's overall aesthetic and enhances the viewing experience.

Overall, "The Driftless Area" is a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll. It's a unique and refreshing take on the romance and crime thriller genres, with strong performances from its leads and beautiful cinematography. Zachary Sluser's direction and Tom Drury's screenplay create a captivating and engaging story that will keep you guessing until the end.

The Driftless Area is a 2016 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.