Small Town Murder Songs
Monterey Media | Release Date: July 1, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
66
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
1
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternJul 7, 2011
Stylistic debts abound: the Coen brothers, Roger Deakins, the bleak, gothic landscapes of Terrence Malick's "Badlands" and Richard Brooks's "In Cold Blood." Through it all, though, is the original and memorable spectacle of violence expressed and repressed by the desperate hero. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubAlison WillmoreJun 30, 2011
The film is as much music-video collection as crime drama: The interludes in which the songs swell into voluptuous prominence balance out a tale of crime and redemption so spare, it's almost abstract. Read full review
70
The New York TimesStephen HoldenJun 30, 2011
Compellingly acted from top to bottom. As the raw passions of its hard-bitten characters seep into you, the songs hammer them even more deeply into your consciousness. The film's only flaw - a big one - is its brevity. Read full review
70
Boxoffice MagazinePam GradyJun 28, 2011
A lawman seeking redemption can't seem to escape sin in Ed Gass-Donnelly's haunting, rural drama. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenJun 28, 2011
There's still much to admire about this carefully drawn but concise character sketch, especially the strong performances and a unique, affectingly ominous score by folk-rock-gospel outfit Bruce Peninsula. Read full review
70
VarietyJohn AndersonJun 28, 2011
It's a rare film that feels too short, but Small Town Murder Songs leaves one wanting more -- more murder story, mystery and revelations from lead thesp Peter Stormare and virtuoso helmer Ed Gass-Donnelly. Read full review
70
Village VoiceMark HolcombJun 28, 2011
Boldly succinct yet confident enough to take its time. Read full review
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Stephen ColeJun 28, 2011
Gass-Donnelly is good at capturing stalled rural lives, from church hymn-sings populated by the elderly, their voices fragile as April snow, to dead-end afternoons at corner cafés, where bored patrons stretch lunch hours with coffee and gossip. Read full review
60
Time OutDavid FearJun 28, 2011
The combination of provincial accents and Stormare's patented creepiness make "Fargo" comparisons inevitable, though Canadian filmmaker Ed Gass-Donnelly's tongue isn't anywhere near his cheek. Read full review
25
Slant MagazineChuck BowenJun 30, 2011
So intent on being "art" that it's seemingly indifferent to providing simple niceties such as compelling performance, plot, and an atmosphere that isn't predictably oppressive. Read full review
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