I can see how some reviewers would find this film lacking because the actors are so gifted, the writing is so efficient, the direction is so on point, that the film is ripe with authenticity and subtlety that lends a bleakness, a starkness, and a stillness that is in such extreme contrast to Walter's need to scream until he can't anymore. I thought the loud volume of the sound track was very clever, because it too was ripe with passion and emotion that was not expressed by the anti-violent Mennonite community, or the culturally stoic Canadian townspeople. I read a couple of reviews that referenced the film's similarity to Fargo, and that thought occurred to me more than once as well while I was enjoying this film. I was impressed with Stormare's total inhabitation of his character Walter and Walter's tormented struggle with his own spiritual turmoil as he lovingly appreciated his new girlfriend's sweetness and goodness, when clearly he was conflicted with remnants of a past relationship that may have been obsessive and dark. The two women are even sharply contrasted as Sandy is blond, like light and goodness, an angel; and Rita is sultry, dark, with hard edges, and a sharp tongue. And Walter's alienation was so palpable throughout the film, as the murder of a young woman is central to the plot, yet with all the sub-plots hinted at, flashbacks to a failed love affair, being outcast from the Mennonite community, and lacking the support from the citizens of the town, yet Walter keeps plodding forward doggedly, duty bound and loyal to doing the right thing while withstanding public criticism, gossip mongering, and a beating. This film has the feel of a movie about small town secrets and prejudices, and how quickly folks take sides, and stack up the opposition against what they fear. I disagree that this film was slow at all, and actually feel like the film was dense with details that I may find in a second viewing. I loved the chapter headings that preceded the rich and pronounced folk music. Looking forward to enjoying the sound track. I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys good independent film making, and good acting.

This is the absolute worst movie I've ever seen. I kept watching it thinking that it's gotta get better. I held that thought right up to the credits. Don't know where they got the guy who played the police chief, but almost anyone could play his part since his part was mostly sitting quietly and sulking. I'll bet that he didn't say more than 20 words through the whole movie. I don't know why writers think that the brooding, silent type is what people want to see, but as for me, a character like makes me want to slap him and say, "Say something". I've seen some real stinker movies before, but this one takes first place. Just an awful movie!.

As a murder mystery, it crashes and burns terribly. If you want a "whodunit," prepare to be disappointed, because you don't have to be Encyclopedia Brown to put THIS one together.But as a character study, it's interesting. Yes, these people would have to be absolute cretins to not know who killed the girl, but that notwithstanding, it's an interesting look at someone trying to move beyond his past in a small community where it's difficult to start over because everyone knows you too well. I've lived in a "no traffic light" town in my day, and anonymity and privacy are nearly impossible to find, much less a chance to re-make yourself. And, as one of the town's police officers, the protagonist has to interact with the community all the time, making a re-invention that much more difficult. Watching it for THAT makes it worth watching.So, consider it a movie where the event is more the internal struggle and not the outward struggle of solving the murder mystery. Keep your focus on the character, not the events, and you'll like it a lot more.

"You need to ask, what kind of man do I choose to be." After discovering a murdered girl in a field, Ottawa police officer Walter (Stormare) is put in charge of trying to find the killer. When the pressure of the case starts to get to him will he act like the officer he is, or will his past catch up with him first? This is another movie that has a very deliberate pace, it does drag a little in spots, but overall a very good movie. The best way to describe this is slowly watching a man who has it all together begin to lose it. All the while you begin to feel sorry for him, and you feel like you shouldn't. This is the best Coen Brothers movie that they haven't directed. This movie has the pacing and feel of one of their movies, even though they had nothing to do with this one. The acting is excellent and is a joy to watch Walter try to stay calm in the midst of the pressure he is facing. This is a great choice if you are looking for a movie. I liked it a lot. Overall, a very good movie filled with great acting. The music used in this movie is excellent, and it really adds to the feel of the movie. This is another movie that is not for everyone, but those that like the Coen Brothers will really enjoy this movie. I give it a B.Would I watch again? - I don't think I will, not really a repeat watcher type movie.*Also try - Winter's Bone