Picturehouse Entertainment | Release Date: April 25, 2014
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 150 Ratings
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Positive:
123
Mixed:
24
Negative:
3
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8
ScraperJul 2, 2017
Sometimes I wonder if "indie" is given to the style instead of simply being from an independent studio. If Blue Ruin were directed by the Coen brothers, it would win Oscars.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
imthenoobMay 8, 2019
It's a simple movie but it does wonders in its simplicity. You can't help but get sucked into that. And what I love the most is that the main character isn't some secret tough guy. He's a genuinely scared human being that is trapped in thisIt's a simple movie but it does wonders in its simplicity. You can't help but get sucked into that. And what I love the most is that the main character isn't some secret tough guy. He's a genuinely scared human being that is trapped in this tough situation with no way out. I loved it and would highly recommend watching it. Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
inaneswineNov 14, 2017
Blue Ruin expertly manages to maintain the balance between quiet drama and white-knuckle suspense and thrills. Macon Blair's performance is excellent.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
NRNSWJul 19, 2015
The movie obviously had potential, and it started off really well. By the end of movie you are left with the feeling of wanting more. Overall, it is a strong film but not perfect.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
JLuis_001Sep 6, 2017
At first this movie may seem very familiar to many, those dark tones are recognizable from other fims, but its director turned it into an excellent film that follows a winding and bloody path to reach a cruel and brutal finale.
Blue Ruin is a
At first this movie may seem very familiar to many, those dark tones are recognizable from other fims, but its director turned it into an excellent film that follows a winding and bloody path to reach a cruel and brutal finale.
Blue Ruin is a tense thriller about a vagabond who without thinking much about it tries to get revenge for the death of his parents.

The film opens with a setting that sets the tone of a man who is running away, the director practically stick the camera to his protagonist Dwight Evans (Macon Blair), a quiet bum who survives through the garbage dumps and spends his nights in his worn-out Blue Pontiac.
His renewed path begins when he returns home once he has learned that a certain Will Cleland has been released from prison.
It is no spoiler to say that this man is considered by Dwight to be the cause of his misfortune, having snatched the life from his parents.

This makes it quite clear that there is an account to be settled, although all the nasty details are not immediately revealed, the script and its rhythm attracts you as a viewer, creating a sense of complicity with Dwight as he follows Will and his friends to a bar, armed simply with a small knife, but only with that, he initiates a series of brutal moments.

Macon Blair manages to make his performance quite interesting, finding himself in the middle between being an idiot and a amateur, a predator and but also a prey.
He makes plans in advance, takes calculated risks and still he messes up, much of the tension comes from his own fallibility, as well as his growing recognition that none of this can end well, and that leads to the impeccable climax.

I can only say that this is a superb independent project, that even in spite of its scarce budget never gives the impression of being a product of low quality.
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
TrevorDevendorfDec 22, 2014
This film is a brilliant example of a slow, steady, and violent revenge story. Each shot had me at the edge of my seat. the ending was well done. The main actor Macon Blair, is very believable actor. Also want to point out, Jeremy Saulnier,This film is a brilliant example of a slow, steady, and violent revenge story. Each shot had me at the edge of my seat. the ending was well done. The main actor Macon Blair, is very believable actor. Also want to point out, Jeremy Saulnier, wrote, directed, and did the cinematography for this film, in which he did a fantastic job on. Another great mystery thriller to add to my list! Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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5
AdamantMay 26, 2014
Venomous in it's visual style but a waste of time overall. It begins as a suspenseful, psychological thriller but ends as an over the top action-oriented movie with poor acting.
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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10
TVJerryMay 3, 2014
A seemingly homeless man (Arlington native Macon Blair in a touching, nuanced performance) sets out for a revenge that grows out of control. Comparisons to early Coen Brothers are inevitable: a sly objective point of view, careful pacing,A seemingly homeless man (Arlington native Macon Blair in a touching, nuanced performance) sets out for a revenge that grows out of control. Comparisons to early Coen Brothers are inevitable: a sly objective point of view, careful pacing, interesting observations, understated emotion and abrupt violence. Jeremy Saulnier (also an Arlington native), who wrote/directed/shot shows a mature mastery of style and cinematic confidence that augers well for his future (especially after the mess that was "Murder Party"). Every frame of this compelling film is quietly gripping and intelligent fun. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
dinojay2May 22, 2015
This was an awesome, intense story with terrific acting. Maybe I loved this more than I normally would have because I knew nothing about it and had no expectations, but I thought it was amazing the way it did not glorify or aggrandize theThis was an awesome, intense story with terrific acting. Maybe I loved this more than I normally would have because I knew nothing about it and had no expectations, but I thought it was amazing the way it did not glorify or aggrandize the violence, and gave an incredibly realistic look at what might really happen when an unlikely hero attempts to extract vengeance which he is completely ill-equipped for. A great example to show how it is still possible to make and excellent thriller without big name stars or a huge special effects budget. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
foxgroveMay 9, 2014
A menacing tone permeates this small independent film as we follow an unlikely gun toting protagonist on his mission of revenge. The screenplay is laced with black humour and before its bloody conclusion provides more than a few twists andA menacing tone permeates this small independent film as we follow an unlikely gun toting protagonist on his mission of revenge. The screenplay is laced with black humour and before its bloody conclusion provides more than a few twists and turns along the way. It's all executed to heart pounding effect and there are some shockingly gruesome moments that elicit audible gasps. It does feel longer than its mere 90 minutes but, if it ultimately lacks greatness, it still ends up being a very accomplished thriller. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
LeZeeAug 1, 2014
Unknown cast and crew, probably could have gone unnoticed if it was not attended film festivals. Todays Sci-fi and Fantasy cinema world 'revenge movies' are the most rare. In those, all are not impressive, but now and then a movie like thisUnknown cast and crew, probably could have gone unnoticed if it was not attended film festivals. Todays Sci-fi and Fantasy cinema world 'revenge movies' are the most rare. In those, all are not impressive, but now and then a movie like this would do. I am glad I saw this. It was simply a revenge movie that how it looks when horses and desert landscapes were trimmed out of the western genre and of course that set in a modern era.

Dwight is a homeless who lives in a car. One day he gets a message that the man who murdered his parents is to be out soon from prison. All these years filled with vengeance inside looking for this day finally arrives. He marks his target and goes after it by not thinking of the consequences of it. So the hunting game begins striking one after another shedding bloods between these two foe family. Takes turns and twists before it concludes.

‘‘I'd forgive you if you were crazy, but you're not.
You're weak.’’

Revenge movie is not a man go and shoot all his enemies down. I saw in this movie the lead character Dwight was eager to avenge his parents' death, but fear in the eyes, trembling hands and amateur killing instinct, totally a realistic appeal. Indeed an excellent performance by the lead man. A simple story, but awesomely developed with every scene. Almost a masterpiece work of this director that quite reflects the Coen brothers style of filmmaking.

The word 'revenge' needs an explanation why it's taking place and here it won't bother to describe in a flashback, but makes sure that you get the reason behind it. It is kind of tricky to understand, it might be either make-up or graphics, but all those wounds, gunshots and bloodsheds were looked surreal. Kind of running and chasing type of tension movie, whenever those crucial clash happens, it pulls us to our seat's edge. It serves potentially what viewers would expect from this genre. A must see for those who like gore and vengeance themes.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
ScribeHardMay 16, 2014
Blue Ruin is a marvel not because it does anything new, but because it wildly succeeds at taking something that’s been done a million times before and does it better – and not with superstars or a nine-figure budget or snappy catch-phrases,Blue Ruin is a marvel not because it does anything new, but because it wildly succeeds at taking something that’s been done a million times before and does it better – and not with superstars or a nine-figure budget or snappy catch-phrases, but with a back-to-basics filmmaking approach coupled with savvy execution on both sides of the camera. The first 8-10 minutes represent the best opening to a film I’ve seen in I couldn’t tell you how long, almost everything that follows demands your attention, and the ending is remarkably satisfying. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
LetScarJan 28, 2015
I liked of how the story was going on without those dull clichés, but showing that it is not easy to get a gun or carry a body. The main character does not transmit a fake security of who will ''complete the mission of revenge in style '',I liked of how the story was going on without those dull clichés, but showing that it is not easy to get a gun or carry a body. The main character does not transmit a fake security of who will ''complete the mission of revenge in style '', rather he is human and is scared, but with perseverance. And thus created an atmosphere of great suspense. I do not like movies that style, but this was worth seeing. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
LamontRaymondApr 27, 2014
A modern reinvention of the Hatfields and the McCoys - but with the unlikeliest of protagonists. I love it when the casting director departs from the norm and casts someone that brings an entirely different feel to a movie than you wouldA modern reinvention of the Hatfields and the McCoys - but with the unlikeliest of protagonists. I love it when the casting director departs from the norm and casts someone that brings an entirely different feel to a movie than you would expect when it kicks off. This dude is masterful. And the supporting actors are uniformly excellent. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
beingryanjudeJan 19, 2015
Blue Ruin is an extremely articulate revenge thriller, with a suspenseful and smart screenplay that packs a heavy punch. A relative unknown, Macon Blair, leads the adventure as Dwight Evans - making for one of the best breakthroughBlue Ruin is an extremely articulate revenge thriller, with a suspenseful and smart screenplay that packs a heavy punch. A relative unknown, Macon Blair, leads the adventure as Dwight Evans - making for one of the best breakthrough performances of the year. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
SpangleNov 21, 2014
Blue Ruin is a film that cements director Jeremy Saulnier as a talent to keep an eye on. Brilliantly directed, executed, and paced, Blue Ruin is a definite success. Macon Blair shines in the lead role and truly commands the screen and does aBlue Ruin is a film that cements director Jeremy Saulnier as a talent to keep an eye on. Brilliantly directed, executed, and paced, Blue Ruin is a definite success. Macon Blair shines in the lead role and truly commands the screen and does a great job portraying this broken character. Saulnier never fails to amp up the tension here either, as you are constantly on the edge of your seat here as the violence and unfolds. In addition, in just an hour and a half, the film does a great job developing all characters and plot elements to where it feels as though you truly have a grasp on everything that is happening in the film. As a whole, I went into this one expecting a good film and, luckily, that is exactly what I got in return. It is always a nice thing when a film lives up to expectations. The only negative I would mention here is the violence can be gratuitous at times and really took me out of the film in those moments. However, there are not many of those moments thankfully. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
SimpleMethodMay 3, 2014
This was a good, if not utterly perfect movie. It's tightly wound and packed with suspense, but there were a few moments that hung. The movie was shot beautifully and the lead actor Macon Blair turns in a genuine, powerful performance.This was a good, if not utterly perfect movie. It's tightly wound and packed with suspense, but there were a few moments that hung. The movie was shot beautifully and the lead actor Macon Blair turns in a genuine, powerful performance. Overall, it's worth a watch. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
BrianMcCriticAug 10, 2014
Positives: Strong performance from the lead, some very tense riveting moments
Negatives: A bit meandering, some small plot holes
Overview: A solid revenge thriller that has a great lead performance
Grade: B
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
oDjentoMar 16, 2015
This was a pretty good thriller but it didn't fully become what it wanted. It certainly follows a coen brother type of vibe and it has some excellent scenes in it, but it never tries to truly impress. Macon is pretty good in his role seemingThis was a pretty good thriller but it didn't fully become what it wanted. It certainly follows a coen brother type of vibe and it has some excellent scenes in it, but it never tries to truly impress. Macon is pretty good in his role seeming like an unstable man who wants justice and protection for his family but he doesn't blow the film away. Entertaining as it is it seems a littlw lackluster in the end. The plot ties nicely together and flows pretty solidly, not taking you away from the sole story it wants to tell you. There is much to admire here and the director may be one to watch in the near future but hopefully he'll pick up from here! Good thriller but not outstanding. I am bent between a 6 and a 7 for this film so i will put it up to a 7 for it being the directors second venture into feature length film but overall i'm really giving it a 6.5. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
RoachramirezJul 18, 2014
Una pelicula muy entretenida sin tanto dialogo. creo solo que debes en cuando se vuelve un poco lenta pero es poco .si te agradan las peliculas sin tanto dialogo perfecto
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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4
pedvieAug 22, 2014
For the life of me I can understand why this movie got such a high average rating. But as with most customer reviews...the bad ones tend to be more revealing.

The movie starts off in a very intriguing manner but quickly becomes mediocre
For the life of me I can understand why this movie got such a high average rating. But as with most customer reviews...the bad ones tend to be more revealing.

The movie starts off in a very intriguing manner but quickly becomes mediocre once the dialogue picks up. Most of the supporting cast simply can not deliver lines or emotion convincingly - whether the talent is lacking in the actors, casting personnel or director is up for debate. Even the main character leaves you feeling like he doesn't fit in well. The story plot has been done and redone so many times it's too numerous to count. Nothing good or new to see here...skip this one.
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
mlaroe8Sep 1, 2014
When you read reviews of movies oftentimes you'll here words like "raw", and "in your face" and it's difficult to really get a handle on what that really means until you actually see a movie and you think of those words yourself. Those wereWhen you read reviews of movies oftentimes you'll here words like "raw", and "in your face" and it's difficult to really get a handle on what that really means until you actually see a movie and you think of those words yourself. Those were two things that I thought of specifically after watching "Blue Ruin", the little known thriller and the next edition of my "Netflix Gems" series.

It follows Dwight Evans, a disheveled homeless man who, despite his shortcomings, is resourceful enough to carve out a nice little niche for himself for a guy living in his car and eating leftovers from the garbage. He gets picked up one day by a police officer and is told that the man who murdered his parents has been released after a prison sentence. Hearing this news and seeing the look in his eyes, you can sense the type of baggage this man has been carrying for years and start thinking of how a tragedy of that magnitude can affect a person at such a vulnerable age. It then sets us up to follow Dwight on a cold and bloody journey for revenge

It's easy for anyone to think of the "what I would do in this situation" scenario when watching a movie like this. More often then not, you'll hear someone say "I would totally do the same thing, I would straight up go after and kill that guy", hell, you might even think those thoughts yourself. It could even be seen as normal for those type of thoughts to cross your mind but actually acting on them is something else entirely. The majority of those who have those thoughts will eventually run into that last shred of their conscience that will hold them back from that combination of satisfying revenge and life ruining mistake. However, there is always that potential that there is that person who does break through that mental block and goes through with it. "Blue Ruin" is saying just that which is a reason why it's cast is filled with all new faces and unfamilars (except for Devin Ratray, last scene in the immortal role as Kevin McCallister's older brother Buzz in the "Home Alone" franchise) because they want to put a face to that potential and it reinforces the idea of how "Dwight" could be inside anyone depending on the circumstances.

It's because of these ideas why the we can relate to Dwight in way, whether its his fumblings with acts of violence, his regret after making mistakes, and just the obvious thought of being scared out of your mind when traveling down this type of road. It's so easy to be able to think about killing those who have killed your own because that Hammurabian mindset is so quick and easy, "You take mine then I take yours, done". We've grown as people from that kind of philosophy because we know that kind of brutality resonates and will eventually blow everything up on its side. "Blue Ruin" takes us on the journey of a man with nothing to lose and nothing to gain but revenge and the knowledge that that revenge won't ease his mind and lessen the effects of the trauma from his past. Dwight Evans is just a man who believes in a sense of right and wrong and that it is only right to destroy those who have done such terrible wrongs to him and his own in order to try and bring a sense of balance to his universe.

We all want balance in our universe but it's hard to decide what we are able to do in order to maintain that balance.
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1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
DenisManuOct 12, 2014
Blue Ruin is a mysterious movie directed beautifully by Jeremy Saulnier. A movie so meticulously crafted,you can say its literally flawless out of a technical aspect,a shame its not that riveting.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
SargerolfesFeb 4, 2015
Blue Ruin is a strange and compelling look into a decent into the darkest depths of the human heart in search for revenge. No one in the film is innocent but all the performances are great with a tremendous emphasis on grounded and realisticBlue Ruin is a strange and compelling look into a decent into the darkest depths of the human heart in search for revenge. No one in the film is innocent but all the performances are great with a tremendous emphasis on grounded and realistic violence (blood and all) instead of the more typical Hollywood explosion fest. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
PANCHO_SANSAJul 13, 2019
This movie is a prime example of when giving one man the opportunity to execute his vision on his own, results in a cinematic masterpiece. This story is personal, and you connect with every single character that appears on screen trhoughoutThis movie is a prime example of when giving one man the opportunity to execute his vision on his own, results in a cinematic masterpiece. This story is personal, and you connect with every single character that appears on screen trhoughout the film. Visceral, serious, and absolutely terrifying at times, they don't tell stories like this too often. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
netflicMay 5, 2014
It's a thriller, and for a thriller, the movie is not bad. A lot of blood, and it looks real, unlike some Tarantino movies.
A few smaller characters are too caricaturish and simplistic. I am not going into the plot not to spoil it.
It's a thriller, and for a thriller, the movie is not bad. A lot of blood, and it looks real, unlike some Tarantino movies.
A few smaller characters are too caricaturish and simplistic. I am not going into the plot not to spoil it. Cinematography is good, and main characters play quite convincingly.
As for a script, well, did I already mention that it is a thriller? So, do not judge it too hard.
Overall, if you are a fan of this genre, you will not be disappointed.
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1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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4
LowbrowCinemaApr 29, 2014
A good solid indie pic about murder and good old fashioned American revenge. BLUE RUIN lacks subtext to make as it insightful as it clearly wants to be but director, writer, and dp, Jeremy Saulnier displays talent especially in his directionA good solid indie pic about murder and good old fashioned American revenge. BLUE RUIN lacks subtext to make as it insightful as it clearly wants to be but director, writer, and dp, Jeremy Saulnier displays talent especially in his direction of best friend Macon Blair who doesn't really have the presence to hold this film together. Again, BLUE RUIN is a good solid indie that is always full of surprises. For example, Eve "Jan Brady" Plum pops up in a small role. You respect the effort and the talent, you just wish it offered much much more. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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9
skybluezMay 15, 2014
Great film with really good visual storytelling. The director takes you through the mind of a non violent person broken from tragedy and how his quest for revenge spins his life out of control with unintended consequences. The acting andGreat film with really good visual storytelling. The director takes you through the mind of a non violent person broken from tragedy and how his quest for revenge spins his life out of control with unintended consequences. The acting and camera work were stellar. Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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3
ariel84Jul 11, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. another indie film praised to the sky that did not impress. i was intrigued until i found out the motivating factor for dwight's rampage, about halfway through the film. not that his parents' deaths weren't reason enough for him to seek revenge, but there should've been more set up to his rage. he goes from a sorry homeless guy to a calculating killer in about 2 secs. Expand
2 of 13 users found this helpful211
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7
BroyaxApr 1, 2019
Un film à petit budget mais avec d'excellentes idées et une mise en scène soignée. C'est aussi une dénonciation efficace et en singulières nuances de gris de la vengeance et des armes... car l'une ne va pas sans les autres. Surtout auxUn film à petit budget mais avec d'excellentes idées et une mise en scène soignée. C'est aussi une dénonciation efficace et en singulières nuances de gris de la vengeance et des armes... car l'une ne va pas sans les autres. Surtout aux Etats-Unis, le pays des flingues...

Le fait que le protagoniste principal soit un néophyte complet en matières d'armes (un "mauvais' Américain !) rajoute à l'ironie de la démonstration... Un "monsieur tout le monde" très banal qui va mettre un doigt et tout le reste dans un engrenage infernal. Du coup, on s'étonne qu'il s'en sorte à chaque fois aussi bien la plupart du temps... ou alors ce monsieur a beaucoup de chance !

Les facilités dans le scénario mettent ainsi un peu à mal la crédibilité de l'ensemble mais le film garde son impact et son rythme à la manière d'un Death Sentence, l'autre film-choc sur le sujet. Du reste, la fin est tout-à-fait convaincante et la violence est toujours prégnante. On apprécie la démonstration en tout cas.
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5
DawdlingPoetNov 27, 2021
This is a crime thriller film which covers themes including vengeance, vigilantism and vagrancy. This is a very violent and bloody film from relatively early on and I felt in the dark in terms of the background of the plot. The main plot isThis is a crime thriller film which covers themes including vengeance, vigilantism and vagrancy. This is a very violent and bloody film from relatively early on and I felt in the dark in terms of the background of the plot. The main plot is far from original but it has some good characterisation, with a surprising amount of human fragility and not in the way you may expect.

Cast wise, Macon Blair plays the main character, Dwight. He is quite an unassuming person, a fairly average joe type, not exactly a Bruce Willis or Jean Claude Van Damme type. I thought he played the role well. Other cast members include Kevin Kolack as Teddy Cleland and Eve Plumb as Kris Cleland. There wasn't anything about the cast that especially stood out to me, so I don't think I can say much about that, other than that I wasn't familiar with the cast members.

Content wise, the film is pretty violent and really quite bloody, with various scenes happening quite suddenly, thus its quite shocking. Bloody injuries include blood spurts and the like. Flesh is depicted, if briefly, so you need a relatively strong stomach - this isn't for the overly squeamish!. Strong language is used at times and more generally the film is quite dark and edgy in tone and thus could be quite frightening and disturbing, especially to younger viewers. Due to this, its been given a 15 rating.

There is an element of voyeurism at play, as we see what the main character, Dwight, is doing in often confined and dark places, as if the camera is held by someone trying to document everything, in a found footage sort of a way, so there is some relatively jerky camerawork present at times. While watching it, I felt quite edgy as it was hard to know where the next attack or move might come from and who may be responsible, so its fair to say that its got quite a tense and volatile tone to it. It had the feel, at times, of a Western shoot out type of a film. Some parts of the plot seemed pretty unlikely too - there was almost a surreal sense to it, a somewhat unsettling one at that. There were some surprisingly jumpy moments present, when things happened seemingly out of nowhere which took me by surprise. The chronology of events seemed a bit unusual too.

It was reasonably good but I'm not sure its particularly memorable, so I suppose I'm undecided really. It wasn't one of the best films I've seen this year but it wasn't totally without merit either- some people may enjoy it more than others and if you don't like bloody violent films then I'd recommend you stay away from this but otherwise I'll leave it to yourself to decide whether you should see this or not.
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10
DarkwingSchmuckMar 23, 2022
Hate begets hate in this smart, incredibly tense, dramatic, yet darkly funny revenge thriller from writer/director Jeremy Saulnier. With a star making performance from Macon Blair, Blue Ruin is a fantastic showcase for both the men in frontHate begets hate in this smart, incredibly tense, dramatic, yet darkly funny revenge thriller from writer/director Jeremy Saulnier. With a star making performance from Macon Blair, Blue Ruin is a fantastic showcase for both the men in front of and behind the camera. Expand
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