Watch Ain't Them Bodies Saints
- R
- 2013
- 1 hr 45 min
-
6.4 (22,627)
Ain't Them Bodies Saints is a slow-burning, atmospheric drama set in rural Texas in the 1970s. The film tells the story of Ruth Guthrie (Rooney Mara) and Bob Muldoon (Casey Affleck), a young couple who find themselves at the center of a shootout with police. In the aftermath of the shootout, Bob is caught and sent to prison, while Ruth manages to escape with their unborn child.
The film picks up several years later, as Bob escapes from prison and sets out to reunite with Ruth and their daughter. Along the way, he encounters a series of obstacles and challenges, including a determined police officer (Ben Foster) who is determined to bring him to justice.
At its core, Ain't Them Bodies Saints is a love story, but one that is far from traditional. Rather than focusing on the happily ever after, the film explores the complexities and challenges of love in the face of adversity, betrayal, and loss.
Director David Lowery takes his time with the story, allowing it to unfold slowly and deliberately. This approach may not be for everyone, as the film does move at a measured pace, but those who stick with it will be rewarded with a deeply rewarding and emotionally resonant experience.
One of the film's strengths is its visual style, which is both gritty and beautiful at the same time. Lowery and his cinematographer Bradford Young make creative use of light and shadow, creating a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the film's tone.
The performances are all strong, with Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck delivering particularly nuanced and understated work. Mara, in particular, shines as Ruth, imbuing the character with a quiet strength and resilience that belies her delicate appearance. Affleck, meanwhile, brings a wounded vulnerability to Bob that makes him both sympathetic and dangerous.
Ben Foster is also impressive as the police officer who is determined to catch Bob. Rather than portraying him as a one-dimensional villain, Foster brings depth and complexity to the character, allowing us to see his motivations and inner struggles.
Ultimately, Ain't Them Bodies Saints is a powerful and haunting film that explores the complex nature of love and loss. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate slow-burning, character-driven dramas will find much to admire here.
Ain't Them Bodies Saints is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 74.