A lawman in a small town located in southeast Texas finds himself navigating a complicated relationship with his brother, who’s considered an outcast. The situation becomes even more fraught when something terrible happens, potentially requiring the officer to protect him. Ted Levine portrays the inquisitive sheriff in this story. The film blends Southern Gothic elements and crime thriller aspects, drawing comparisons to “Undertow,” though it shifts away from a focus on younger characters. As with strong dramas, the narrative invests in developing its people and maintaining a sense of believability, avoiding excessive sensationalism. A drama that feels grounded in reality proves more captivating than constant action sequences, particularly when presented with artistry, as is the case here. It's noteworthy that three of the primary performers—Thwaites (Norman), Alycia Debnam-Carey (Frances), and Claire Holt (Abbey)—are from Australia; it’s not immediately obvious. Though all the female characters make an impression, Francesca Eastwood stands out with a striking performance as Ray’s lover. One reviewer pointed out what they believed to be a mistake in the film's settings. However, the story unfolds in the rural areas east of Houston, near Louisiana. The license plate on Ray’s vehicle is from Missouri simply because that was his previous residence; he had a history of moving around, which explains why the sheriff isn’t surprised when someone mentions he has left town. The movie's length is 1 hour and 47 minutes, and filming occurred in New Orleans & Houma, Louisiana, locations close enough to east Texas for the production. GRADE: B+/A-

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