Who knows why this film about hardscrabble life in Appalachia rates only a 6.7, but I suspect it is political, like everything else in this country. J.D. Vance's original book also came under fierce criticism for being too sympathetic to a class of people generally categorized as deplorable supporters of Donald Trump.
In the film, Glenn Close and Amy Adams give Oscar-worthy performances as Vance's grandmother and mother. Rarely has an actress submerged herself so completely in a character as Close, who makes you think you're watching a documentary. Adams is also superb, though her role may be underwritten.
It's odd this movie should be viewed as political, given that director Ron Howard is an outspoken liberal. The depiction of boarded-up windows and drug addiction that blights so much of the Midwest is sadly all too true. The writer, director and actors deserve credit for courageously bringing it to life.
In the film, Glenn Close and Amy Adams give Oscar-worthy performances as Vance's grandmother and mother. Rarely has an actress submerged herself so completely in a character as Close, who makes you think you're watching a documentary. Adams is also superb, though her role may be underwritten.
It's odd this movie should be viewed as political, given that director Ron Howard is an outspoken liberal. The depiction of boarded-up windows and drug addiction that blights so much of the Midwest is sadly all too true. The writer, director and actors deserve credit for courageously bringing it to life.