Ain't Them Bodies Saints (2013)

A solid premise and very natural acting highlight this drama. After a fast-paced first half, the film slows down signficantly as Bob Muldoon (Affleck) tries to make his way back home, but it nevertheless remains interesting. This is essentially a sad love story, but in a very different way. Truly moving. The film is shot very differently to mainstream Hollywood films and I enjoyed the fact director David Lowery leaves a lot to the viewer's imagination, instead of spoon feeding them.

Ain't Them Bodies SaintVery few character driven features can carry such a heavy and layered concept through a wafer thin script and still be adequate for the viewers. The chemistry among the lead characters is written with passion that is clearly visible and felt to the audience where the excellence of both the execution and storytelling meets. The screenplay couldn't be more simpler yet is thought-provoking and is conveyed with a message to be explored upon. Addition to that there is enough craft and crisp for the audience to learn, chew and enjoy from. David Lowery is a brilliant director and he flaunts it in here with conviction where he is supported by amazing cinematography and perfect editing. There is no doubt raised upon on performance level, for both the lead actors; Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck, are in their A game and are the bridge that helps connect the audience to the anticipated vision. It is visually pleasing and is shot perfectly that makes it supremely watchable and entertaining as it lures the viewers in through such technical aspects. Ain't Them Bodies Saint is an uneven saint and a genuine human, as it comes with both pros and cons but more importantly acceptable and supportive.

I found this movie to be extremely moving and even watched it a second time to get the full impact of the last scene, the looks Casey delivers and portrays. Casey Affleck is highly underrated and I wish I could see him in more movies. I would even listen to him narrate the dictionary for his narrative and inflections. Rooney is so beautiful I wish I could see more from her as well. And there is Ben Foster, need I say more? Well worth your 93 minutes to see this film, for the performances alone. Not to mention the director!!!!

With "Selma" (2014) and "Arrival" (2016), among others, cinematographer Bradford Young has proved himself one of today's most talented. In "Ain't Them Bodies Saints", Young worked with promising writer-director David Lowery and great actors such as Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck and Ben Foster. In addition to this, the film has a well-composed score by Daniel Hart. In short, this is a movie well worth watching.