Originality can be such an inspiring thing and when you see it, it’s so exciting.  Blue Ruin is one of the most original stories I’ve seen in recent years and knowing nothing going in really made it an even more enriching experience.  My advice to you is to stop reading and just go watch it and come back.  Having seen it I can tell you that what starts out as a seemingly dramatic story about grief and regret certainly turns into something far different and it’s outstanding.

Having read any press for the film or even the tag lines on the posters you know that this is a revenge thriller, however, if you’re like me and just clicked on it because you thought the Netflix thumbnail looked cool then you had no idea going in.  The story starts very slowly as we see a lonely man living in his car, he looks haggard and it’s easy to see he’s been at this for awhile.  Bearded and dirty, solemn and quiet it’s a revelation that sets the story in motion as we learn that his parents were murdered and the man responsible is being freed from prison.  It’s here that the movie really starts to take shape as Dwight, played so uniquely and smartly by Macon Blair, sets out on a mission of revenge.  What is so impressive about this film is that it’s very apparent that Dwight has no idea what he’s doing, not in a comedic way but in a way set in realism.  Dwight is a normal person like you or I, if I wanted to take revenge on someone I would be completely lost as is Dwight.  He has a plan…sort of and as you can guess it doesn’t go exactly as he saw it playing out and for the rest of the film Dwight is forced to protect an estranged sister and her family as well as battle for his own survival.

The realism of Blue Ruin is it’s greatest achievement and everything seems so grounded.  Decisions have real consequences, the violence is alarming and swift.  You get the impression that like most of us, Dwight has no idea what he’s gotten himself into but is there just the same.  Macon Blair’s performance deserves praise as well as he’s present in virtually every frame of the film.  He’s instantly likable and easy to root for yet he’s played with a sadness and regret, not just for his situation and the things that have happened but also for the things that are happening now.  You can tell that Dwight had this motivation to make right what was wronged but also is alarmed by the things he’s doing and even feels remorse, as any person would, which makes Blue Ruin such a fascinating film and a welcome one as well.

Recommend? One of the best movies I’ve seen so far, watch this one.