(Jeremy Saulnier, US 2013, 90 min., DCP)
Rochester Premiere! One man’s determination to avenge the murder of his parents, by in turn taking the life of their killer, is jinxed from the outset. Already emotionally damaged and living in his car, Dwight (Macon Blair) somehow manages to find the strength and resources to carry through with his plan, which is simple on the surface but bedeviled by underlying currents over which he ultimately has no control. Saulnier’s film is subtly subversive (and bleakly funny) with its acts of violence erupting with shocking and sobering force. Blair carries the film with a sweet desperation, his self-neglect and depression giving way to a surprising resourcefulness despite the fact that nothing goes according to plan.