I spent a small part of my young life in Missouri, right around the area where Winter's Bone was shot. Southern Missouri, close to the Arkansas border is beautiful, even in winter. However, you can starve on fresh air, if you are poor.
Winter's Bone is the story of Ree Dolly, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, a 17 year old, who has had to grow up fast and shoulder responsibilities that would break some adults. Dad is a meth cooker, who has disappeared, and Mom has totally checked out of this reality. Ree also cares for her little brother and sister. It's a bleak world, for this girl who dreams of going into the Army.
To get out of jail, Jessup Dolly, her father, put the homestead up for his bond. He's got a court date coming up and can't be found. If he doesn't show up, the family home and land will be taken.
As Ree begins her journey to find her father, we meet her immediate family, among them is Uncle Teardrop, (great name), portrayed by John Hawkes of Deadwood fame. Hawkes' portrayal of this character is chilling. Believe me, I'm related to people like him, and thankfully most of them are now dead. Honor, clannishness, and defiance of authority, it's all there. He is very scary, and ultimately, the guy you want on your side. We meet other nasty people along the way, including some evil sisters that make the witches of Macbeth look like church ladies. We eventually learn that Jessup has committed the ultimate sin in this society. What Ree has to do to keep her home is beyond horrifying, and oh, so very brave. All the while keeping her own honor intact. She is a great heroine.
I really liked this movie, it works on many levels. It's the classic hero's story, a quest if you will. It portrays the people of the region realistically, with no apologies. Debra Granik, who directed and wrote the screenplay, stays fairly in line with Daniel Woodrell's novel. She never talks down to the material, there is no "look at the ignorant hillbillies" here. Are there people like this who give a whole new dimension to the word trash? Yes, and they are found in every part of the country and aspect of society, not just the poor of the south.
The actors are superb, John Hawkes, especially. I hope he gets nominated for something, at least an Independent Spirit award, for his performance. Jennifer Lawrence portrays her character with quiet tenacity, it's a remarkable performance. Dale Dickey, who portrays one of the evil sisters, Merab, (another great name!), is fantastic. She's a white trash with a little money nightmare, who proves surprising, in the end. The music is wonderful too, if you like old timey mountain music.
Oh, about the fried squirrels. There is a scene where Ree and her brother are dressing some squirrels they have just shot. That struck a ringing truth with me. When you are that poor, fried squirrel sounds delicious. I've been that poor and it is.
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