Watch The Scent of Rain and Lightning

The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a 2017 mystery drama film that is based on the novel of the same name written by Nancy Pickard. The movie is directed by Blake Robbins and stars Brad Carter, Maika Monroe, and Chaz Wood in important roles. The story revolves around Jody Linder (Maika Monroe), a young woman who lives in the small town of Rose, Kansas. She has grown up hearing about the murder of her parents, Hugh (Will Patton) and Laurie (Maggie Grace), which happened when she was just 3 years old. Her father's cousin, Billy Croyle (Brad Carter), was convicted for the murders and sentenced to life in prison, but he has always maintained his innocence.

One day, Jody discovers that Billy has been released from prison due to new evidence that has surfaced, and he has returned to Rose. Jody is torn between her family's desire for revenge and her own need for closure and the truth. As she delves deeper into the past, she uncovers shocking revelations about her family and the people she thought she knew.

The movie is divided into two timelines - one in the present, where Jody tries to unravel the mystery of her parents' murder, and one in the past, where we see the events leading up to the murder from the perspective of several characters. The cinematography is excellent, capturing the beauty and vastness of the Kansas landscape and adding to the movie's overall atmosphere.

Maika Monroe delivers a compelling performance as Jody, a woman struggling with her emotions and trying to make sense of her shattered life. Brad Carter is equally impressive as Billy, bringing nuance and depth to his portrayal of a man who may or may not be guilty. The supporting cast is also excellent, including Maggie Grace as the haunted Laurie and Chaz Wood as Jody's childhood friend, Collin.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a slow-burning, character-driven mystery that keeps you on edge for the entire duration. Despite its small-town setting, the movie deals with big themes like justice, revenge, and forgiveness. It's a thought-provoking movie that will leave you pondering over its themes long after the credits roll.

Overall, The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a well-made and well-acted movie that should appeal to fans of the mystery genre. It's a fascinating exploration of a family's secrets and the toll they take on the people involved. The movie's themes are timeless, and the performances are nuanced and layered. It's definitely worth a watch.

The Scent of Rain and Lightning is a 2018 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.