Film Review: Winter’s Bone

Despite its critical acclaim, Winter’s Bone has been a largely unknown film for mass audiences. This indie, with a budget of only about two million dollars, grossed approximately seven million dollars in its theatrical run; it is far from a Hollywood blockbuster. Nonetheless, the film, adapted from Daniel Woodrell’s 2006 novel of the same name, is destined for numerous award nominations. It has already won several accolades, including the 2010 Sundance Film Festival’s “Grand Jury Prize” (Best Dramatic Film) and “Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award” (Best Screenplay), and lead actress Jennifer Lawrence has been nominated for the Golden Globe’s Best Actress. I missed the chance to see the film in theaters during the summer but finally watched it recently. Winter’s Bone is an absorbing, atmospheric drama-thriller led by an excellent, breakthrough performance by Lawrence.