Review - Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)

On DVD and Blu Ray - "Ain't Them Bodies Saints" (2013) - This slow-burn crime drama concerning the tragic affair of reckless lovers (Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara) and the constant burning ache of the distance between when one of them is sent to prison is highlighted by strong performances across the board, wonderful cinematography and a lyrical, tender approach to the subject matter.

Set in the 1970's Texas Hill Country, Casey Affleck's "Bob Muldoon" and Rooney Mara's "Ruth Guthrie" are the young couple of outlaws whose crime spree is abruptly cut short by authorities when Muldoon takes the fall for Ruth's actions and is faced with a lengthy incarceration.  After a few years behind bars, Muldoon happens to break out of prison and sets out to reunite with his wife and the daughter he's never met.

The younger Affleck (Gone Baby Gone) is as effective as I've ever seen him, in a role that appears tailor-suited.  I've often found him miscast, shoe-horned into roles that are clearly meant for more seasoned sorts, thought that's clearly not the case here.  Rooney Mara (Side Effects) once again puts in stellar work as the lonely yet resolute Ruth, a haunted young soul who quickly finds maturity with the onset of responsibilities of raising her daughter alone.

Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) is fine in support, weaving his way in and out of the narrative as a sympathetic Sheriff's Deputy who harbors a romantic interest in Ruth- it's the edgy Bostonian actor's most likable and humanistic role to date.  I'll remember his character teaching Ruth's little girl how to play the guitar for quite some time.

Veteran actor Keith Carradine (Southern Comfort) is excellent as a grizzled storekeeper who acts as guardian angel over Ruth and her young daughter while Nate Parker (The Great Debaters) rounds out the notable cast as a pool-hall owner and friend of Affleck's escaped convict who assists him along the way.

Expect a deliberately paced, yet involving narrative that capitalizes on it's strengths and avoids heavy-handedness.  There's a few short bursts of violence and a final act that features a smaller staged gun battle that should please potential male viewers. Filmed in and around Meridian and Austin, Texas and Shreveport Louisiana, Ain't Them Bodies Saints is a deftly directed and well-written throwback, complete with sepia-toned West textures.  It's kind of like watching a sad rustic poem unfold onscreen.

Recommended.

8.5 out of 10

Director: David Lowery
Cast: Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Keith Carradine and Nate Parker
Run-Time: 96 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for some violence