• Tweet

Highly entertaining Southern-fried yarn that pulls no punches. Saltry and sexy like a wet dream on a hot summer night. I rather liked the voice-over by Macy Gray which succeeds in being distinctive if nothing else. She herself almost steals every scene she is in. I say 'almost' because the camera just loves Zac Efron. He is definitely one to watch. Matthew McConaughey continues to shine in roles that take his acting talents to the very edge - see 'Killer Joe'. Nicole Kidman gives a startlingly good performance as a white-trash man-eater with a thing for convicts. Despite it all she makes the character sympathetic. Now that's acting. One of the best films of 2013 so far.

At first look this is a story about a journalist returning home to investigate a murder case. At second glance it actually turns out to be a story about how people are not entirely what they seem.
Ok it’s a little messy to watch and there are a few very odd scenes that were not necessary for the plot to flow, but are nevertheless very effective with the overall uncomfortable neo-noir tone (I’m sure there will be a lot of talk about Nicole Kidman doing a number one on Zac Efron).
This will no doubt be met with mixed reviews, but despite some negative points I could make, the overall look and feel of the movie alongside the outstanding performances from a great ensemble cast (also including Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack, Macey Gray and David Oyelowo), really make up for the films shortcomings. It’s a fascinating watch.