Today’s quick review: Blue Ruin. For years, Dwight Evans (Macon Blair) has lived a solitary life on the beach, living off what he can borrow or find. Upon learning that Wade Cleland (Sandy Barrett), the man who killed his parents, is going to be released from jail, he returns to his home in Virginia to take his revenge. But the situation grows complicated when Wade’s family gets involved, putting Dwight’s sister Sam (Amy Hargreaves) in danger.
Blue Ruin is a crime drama about bad blood between two families. A murderer’s release from prison reopens old wounds, sparking a cycle of revenge that turns Dwight Evans, ordinarily a gentle man, into a killer. Blue Ruin takes its premise to fascinating places without resorting to the usual contrivances of stories like it. Tight plot work, thoughtful direction, and believable characters make Blue Ruin a modest but polished tale of revenge.
The heart of the movie is Dwight, a soft-spoken protagonist bearing an understandable grudge. Dwight is a reluctant killer, willing to do what is necessary to avenge his parents but hesitant to escalate the situation any further. The contrast makes him a nuanced character who’s not overtly likable but quietly earns the audience’s respect through his resolve and decency. Macon Blair also does an excellent job of selling the role.
The other area where Blue Ruin excels is realism. The plot emerges from the characters’ choices, not from obvious coincidences or authorial meddling. Dwight is not an action hero, only an ordinary man with real failings. He succeeds through the clever use of the resources at his disposal, and even then his plans rarely go right. he finishing touch is well-jduged direction that puts every detail in its proper place without being too obvious.
Blue Ruin is a hidden gem for fans of the understated, cerebral side of the crime genre. Its modest scope and lack of strong emotional hooks mean that it’s outclassed by the best the genre has to offer, but in spite of this, it still brings something unique to the table. Those looking for an intimate and unpredictable crime drama should give it a shot. Those hoping for something with more flash or a greater emphasis on action may want to skip it.
For an even darker, more elaborate plot spun from a minimalistic premise, try Blood Simple. For a plot-focused crime thriller with a darker tone, try Memento. For a crime movie about a homeless veteran trying to make good, try Redemption.
7.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for sound acting and direction coupled with a tight plot.