Based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock (who also serves as the narrator), is a bloody unsettling film which i have seen recently. With a stellar casting and a power packed performance i enjoyed this uncomfortable experience to a larger extent. This vicious tale spanning across multiple generations is a slow-burn, character-driven narrative which can divide the audience for sure. The core of the film is a wonderfully callous reckoning with the belief in God, or the interpretation of it. The crime and tragedy that it generates, begins with an American soldier in the Vietnam War returning to his hometown of Ohio. The atmosphere of dread, slowly envelops the characters in an emotionally absorbing dark drama. The the rural peacefulness of American farms and country roads is beautifully framed thought out. The overall tone remains oppressive and tense and its descend into a dark world of violence and deceit. The first 30 minutes goes at a leisurely pace which may put off a lot of people, but the next one hour where all the stories and the characters converge is executed very well. There are quiet a lot of hidden metaphor in the story. The devil in the title itself is symbol of struggle within. In the end, it stayed true to its saying “Some people were born just so they could be buried.” Take your chance, as this search for redemption and the narrative style can be quiet intimidating at times.
Verdict - 3.5/5(The demon of faith)