A haunting and surreal Southern Gothic atmosphere blends with a post-apocalyptic feel in this movie. Two boys share their home with their father (Dermot Mulroney) on a rural Georgia farm near Savannah—the film’s shooting location. Sixteen-year-old Chris and about ten-year-old Tim both struggle to cope with the loss of their mother and the difficulties of their isolated, impoverished life, but they express it differently: Chris gets into trouble with the law while Tim seems preoccupied with eating things he shouldn't. Their uncle (Josh Lucas) arrives for a visit, appearing friendly at first glance, though there’s something unsettling in his eyes—a wildness and greed simmering beneath the surface. David Gordon Green's "Undertow" (2004) shares similarities with Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" (1978), as both are realistic dramas centered on young people living in rural settings, and both create a dreamlike viewing experience. Each film strives to captivate the audience through cinematic artistry. However, unlike “Days,” “Undertow” is firmly rooted in Southern Gothic tradition. Personally, I found "Undertow" more appealing of the two. After seeing Green’s excellent "Snow Angels" (2007)—easily one of the greatest dramas ever made—I decided to give this earlier film another look. I'm glad I did because “Undertow” is a movie that reveals more with each viewing. However, films like this aren’t for everyone. People accustomed to mainstream blockbusters are likely to find "Undertow" slow, unfocused, and seemingly without purpose. The first time I watched it, I wasn't particularly impressed; I didn't dislike it, but I didn’t quite understand it. Still, I’m glad I gave it a second (and third) chance because “Undertow” eventually drew me into its spell. You really need to be in the right frame of mind for something like this. The film’s "dreamy" quality is enhanced by Philip Glass' captivating score, which plays during the opening and closing credits. It’s simple and repetitive, but mesmerizing—I’ve rewatched the credits just to hear it. As a Southern Gothic drama/thriller, “Undertow” captures a distinct Southern atmosphere with an emphasis on rural hardship. Other films that succeed in this area come to mind: "The General's Daughter," "Ode to Billy Joe," "I Walk the Line" (with Gregory Peck, 1970), "Mississippi Burning," "Squirm," "The Man in the Moon," and "The Skeleton Key." If you enjoy these kinds of movies, including “Days of Heaven,” you’ll probably appreciate “Undertow.” What sets it apart is its intense focus on rural poverty, creating a poetic, almost post-apocalyptic ambiance. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. Kristen Stewart appears in a small role early on. GRADE: B/B-

Source on TMDB