Blue Ruin is one thrilling film to watch; containing intense stuff throughout that can even border on horror. The plot itself is a contained one: two families are caught in a cycle of revenge, both refusing to contact law-enforcement in order to have the satisfaction of vengeance. The film (funded successfully through a Kickstarter campaign) contains a relatively obscure cast; even its protagonist Dwight (Macon Blair) is someone I've never seen before, yet was impressed with his performance. Dwight represents the avenger for his family, who are presented in a much favorable light then their redneck family opponents. Yet Dwight’s quest for revenge is neither righteous nor portrayed positively in the film; it’s a gruesome path that will only end with abundant bloodshed (Dwight’s old high school friend comments that what he’s doing “is ugly”). Physically weak, somewhat cowardly, and alone against many weapon-crazed hillbillies, Dwight’s uphill battle is frighteningly intense and exhilarating to watch.
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