--- title: "Winter's Bone" year: 2010 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/winters-bone" fi1m_id: "winters-bone" imdb_id: "tt1399683" tmdb_id: 39013 wikidata_id: "Q301049" fi1m_score: 85 critics_score: 74 critics_reviews: 7 published: "2026-09-15" updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:36.939087+00:00" region: "IT" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Winter's Bone (2010) Directed by Debra Granik · 1h 41m · MiC T · Drama, Mystery ## Identity Winter's Bone - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/winters-bone - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** winters-bone - **IMDb ID:** tt1399683 - **TMDB ID:** 39013 - **Wikidata ID:** Q301049 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1399683/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/39013, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q301049 **Fi1m score: 85** · Critics 74 from 7 reviews *In a sentence:* Jennifer Lawrence looks as though solving a mystery is just one more job nobody else will do > Debra Granik’s Ozarks mystery is tense, closely observed and anchored by Jennifer Lawrence. Ree can seem too consistently admirable, but the performances and patient attention to place make this a film we recommend warmly. ## Synopsis Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) is a teenager searching for her missing father in the Ozarks. Around her, poverty and family loyalty shape a community where asking questions brings her up against customs she is expected to obey. Her uncle Teardrop (John Hawkes) belongs to that world, and Ree presses for answers without knowing whom she can trust. Debra Granik directs this adaptation of Daniel Woodrell’s novel, with Dale Dickey as Merab and Garret Dillahunt as Sheriff Baskin. The search tests Ree’s determination to discover what has happened to her father. ## Review Debra Granik’s *Winter’s Bone* is a tense, persuasive mystery that deserves attention even from those usually put off by such unrelieved hardship. Ree Dolly’s search for her missing father takes her through an impoverished Ozarks community where family loyalty makes asking questions dangerous. Granik and co-writer Anne Rosellini adapt Daniel Woodrell’s novel with a useful sense of proportion: the search matters, but so does the business of living among these people. The danger feels convincing because we have time to consider what speaking freely might cost them. Jennifer Lawrence makes Ree’s determination believable without making it look easy. Her performance is alert and controlled, with little sense that she is asking for applause. We felt anxious simply watching her listen. The concentration in her face suggests someone who cannot afford to misunderstand what another person means. Lawrence lets us see the effort involved in staying composed, even when the writing gives Ree too few opportunities to be anything other than resourceful. John Hawkes gives her someone difficult to read as Teardrop, Ree’s uncle. He makes a frightening figure without allowing the threat to explain everything about the man, and Lawrence has to remain attentive around him. Their scenes together loosen the film’s tendency to place Ree’s resolve at the centre of every exchange. The supporting performances help make the community feel inhabited by people with their own reasons for being wary, each with concerns that extend beyond the heroine’s search. Michael McDonough’s photography gives us the worn buildings and harsh rural surroundings without making them picturesque. Mark White’s production design takes a similarly practical approach: the dilapidation registers without making every glimpse of a building an invitation to inspect the damage. These are places in which people have to live, and the film keeps that fact in view. The attention paid to local language helps, too; people sound as though they are speaking to each other without needing to explain their community to us. Affonso Gonçalves’s editing keeps the search comprehensible while leaving time to register the caution in an exchange. Dickon Hinchliffe’s score is effective without softening the film’s account of hardship, while the mountain music gives the place a life beyond the investigation. The music is welcome in a film where so much human contact is strained. Granik’s restraint around violence is especially valuable: the threat remains close, but she does not keep displaying suffering to prove how harsh these lives are. The difficulty is that Granik and Rosellini sometimes make Ree’s decency too dependable. Her determination remains impressive, but there are stretches when another test tells us little we have not already learned about her. The repetition matters because the film offers so little lightness elsewhere, and the grimness can begin to feel dutiful. Lawrence prevents Ree from becoming merely exemplary, though we wanted the screenplay to allow her the untidiness it grants the people around her. As a rural thriller, it understands how much fear can come from needing an answer that nobody wants to give. Its attention to speech and daily habits keeps that fear close to ordinary life, even as the mystery grows more pressing. The 101-minute running time is well judged, despite the stretches in which Ree’s persistence has already made its point. Give it an evening when nobody is going to talk over the quiet exchanges. *Fi1m score 85, published 15 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics respond warmly to Winter’s Bone, with praise centred on Jennifer Lawrence’s determined, watchful performance and Debra Granik’s close attention to the Ozarks setting. The reviews repeatedly credit the local speech, daily habits and harsh surroundings with making the community feel convincing. Many also admire the economical storytelling: the search at its centre sustains tension while leaving space for the pressures of poverty and family loyalty. The reservations concern how much bleakness the film can sustain, and how convincingly it draws its heroine. Screen Daily finds the rural atmosphere persuasive but the succession of hardships short on relief. The Evening Standard admires the supporting performances and mountain music while finding Ree too saintly. These are qualified responses rather than outright dismissals; the broader divide is between critics who find the austerity compelling and those who find it limits the film’s appeal. ## Straight answers **Is Winter's Bone worth watching?** *Winter's Bone* is worth watching for anyone who can sit through 101 minutes of unrelieved hardship for a tense, closely observed mystery, and we scored it 85. Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes give it its anxious pulse. Our reservation is that Ree's decency is too dependable, and the grimness can begin to feel dutiful. **How long is Winter's Bone, and what is it rated?** *Winter's Bone* runs 1h 41m and is rated T by the MiC in Italy. It is a drama and mystery film. **Where can I watch Winter's Bone in Italy?** *Winter's Bone* is available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Winter's Bone, and is it suitable for children?** *Winter's Bone* carries a UK 15 certificate and is not suitable for children. The violence is kept mostly off screen: Debra Granik shows the threat rather than displaying suffering, but the menace is constant and the poverty unrelieved. Older teenagers who can take a slow, frightening film about a community that punishes questions should manage it. **How does Winter's Bone compare to The Night of the Hunter?** *Winter's Bone* is the quieter and more realistic of the two, while [*The Night of the Hunter*](https://film.one/film/the-night-of-the-hunter) is a Depression fairy tale in black and white with far more room for nightmare. Granik keeps her menace close to ordinary life; Laughton makes his a preacher out of a bad dream. Laughton's is the stranger and, for us, the better film, but Granik's is the more believable. **Is Winter's Bone based on a true story or a book?** *Winter's Bone* is based on Daniel Woodrell's novel of the same name, not on a true story. Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini adapt it with a good sense of proportion, giving as much weight to daily life in the Ozarks as to the search for Ree's father. You do not need to have read the book to follow or enjoy the film. **What should I watch after Winter's Bone?** After *Winter's Bone*, try [*Rosetta*](https://film.one/film/rosetta) (1999, Fi1m 82): Another determined young woman whose daily survival makes for difficult, absorbing drama. Then [*The Night of the Hunter*](https://film.one/film/the-night-of-the-hunter) (1955, Fi1m 91): Rural menace and endangered children, with considerably more room for nightmare; and [*The Selfish Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-selfish-giant) (2013, Fi1m 88): Clio Barnard gives working-class children difficult choices without reducing them to examples. ### Reviews we read (16) - **The Independent** (85/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's authentic portrayal of a remote, lawless Ozark community and its tense, economical storytelling. Jennifer Lawrence's resourceful lead performance and the committed sense of place are singled out as highlights. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/winter-s-bone-15-2081251.html) - **Empire**, Philip Wilding (80/100, inferred): The critic highlights the film's vivid adaptation of the novel, its unflinching depiction of the harsh Ozarks setting, and Jennifer Lawrence's standout, determined performance as Ree. Granik's attention to detail and the cast's gritty work are praised. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/winter-bone-review/) - **Little White Lies**, Georgie Hobbs (4/4/4): The critic delivers a positive verdict on this edge-of-the-seat backwoods thriller with its star-making turn from Jennifer Lawrence. They single out Granik’s nuanced attention to detail, local language and scenery for praise. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/winters-bone) - **Radio Times**, Damon Wise (4/5): The critic gives a positive verdict on this excellent award-winning thriller set in the dilapidated shanty towns of the Ozarks. They single out Jennifer Lawrence’s superb, mature and inspiring performance for particular praise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-hug3e8/winters-bone/) - **Evening Standard** (60/100, inferred): The review finds the film powerful with strong supporting turns and effective use of mountain music, but criticizes the central character as an overly saintly archetype. Director Debra Granik's economical visuals are noted positively. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/winters-bone-goes-in-search-of-sainthood-7421641.html) - **Screen Daily** (55/100, inferred): The critic offers a mixed-to-positive verdict on this austere and grimly realistic film, noting it gets the hardened look and foreboding feel of its rural setting just right. They single out the unrelieved march through squalor and lack of lightness as drawbacks that may limit its appeal beyond the festival circuit. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/winters-bone/5010033.article) - **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan: The film has an art house soul inside a B picture body and meshes character concerns with narrative drive adroitly. It features strong direction and standout performances, especially from Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jun-11-la-et-winters-20100611-story.html) - **Slant Magazine**, Ed Gonzalez: Granik’s film highlights a distinct sensitivity and intelligence, with a succinct, well-paced plot that avoids narrative convention and cheap sentimentality while treating poverty as a mere fact of life rather than a fetish. The restraint in depicting violence and the authentic observation of daily habits and relationships stand out as remarkable strengths. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/winters-bone/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: The film is a backwoods classic that builds tension to a horrifying finale while granting dignity through its lead performance. It stands out as a naturalistic drama about poverty, family loyalty, and transgression in the Ozarks. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/sep/16/winters-bone-review) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff: The grim backwoods tale is slow to build momentum and uningratiating, making it a hard sell, but its grit and the tenacity of its young heroine will resonate with some viewers. The strong presence of John Hawkes keeps the bleak setting from overwhelming the film and gives Jennifer Lawrence more to play against. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/winters-bone-film-review-29185/) - **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (Critic's Pick): The film is a tender and flinty adaptation that delves into tribal ties and individual choices, with a stubborn girl's sense of justice clashing against deep customs. Jennifer Lawrence gives a watchful, precise, and quietly heroic performance. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/movies/11winter.html) - **Variety**, Justin Chang: The bleak and exemplary sophomore feature follows a teenage girl's resilience as she seeks the truth behind her father's disappearance, taking an unflinching look at an impoverished Ozarks community. It conveys a bone-deep sense of place with a striking lead performance by Jennifer Lawrence. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/film/markets-festivals/winter-s-bone-1117941960/) - **Digital Spy**, Ben Rawson-Jones (80/100, inferred): The critic hails Jennifer Lawrence's outstanding, unflappable performance as propelling the raw naturalistic tale into Oscar-contender territory. Granik's direction is praised for finding wonder and tension amid the bleak rural setting, despite some repetitive stretches. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a276184/winters-bone/) - **Den of Geek**, Emma Matthews (4 out of 5): The critic calls it an intelligent, uncompromising drama thriller set in a bleak Ozarks community. Jennifer Lawrence's intense, career-defining lead performance is singled out as the element that elevates it to remarkable status. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/winters-bone-review-2/) - **Eye for Film**, Nick Da Costa: The critic calls it an unrelenting yet mesmerising vision that channels Cormac McCarthy with sparse, lyrical dialogue and stark beauty. They single out Jennifer Lawrence's breakout performance as the determined young Ree and John Hawkes as her terrifying uncle for particular praise. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/winters-bone-film-review-by-nick-da-costa) - **HeyUGuys**, Gary Phillips: The critic describes it as a stunning film that elevates a gritty thriller into an incredible coming-of-age story about family and poverty in the Ozarks. They single out Jennifer Lawrence's astonishing, believable performance as Ree for making the entire film work, along with a satisfying climax. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/winters-bone-review/) ## Details - **Director:** Debra Granik - **Director:** Debra Granik - **Screenplay:** Debra Granik, Anne Rosellini - **Novel:** Daniel Woodrell - **Cinematography:** Michael McDonough - **Editor:** Affonso Gonçalves - **Music:** Dickon Hinchliffe - **Production design:** Mark White - **Producer:** Anne Rosellini, Alix Madigan - **Cast:** Jennifer Lawrence as Ree Dolly; John Hawkes as Teardrop; Kevin Breznahan as Little Arthur; Dale Dickey as Merab; Garret Dillahunt as Sheriff Baskin; Sheryl Lee as April; Shelley Waggener as Sonya; Isaiah Stone as Sonny - **Runtime:** 1h 41m - **Certificate (MiC):** T - **Release (Italy):** 18 February 2011 - **Genres:** Drama, Mystery - **Also in:** [Best Picture winners](https://film.one/collections/oscar-best-picture.md) (Nominee, 2010) - **Budget:** $2 million - **Box office:** $14 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_X2pDRXyY ## Where to watch in Italy - Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, sd - Amazon Prime Video: buy €7.99, sd *Checked 2026-09-15.* Also available in: AR, AT, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, DE, DK, FI, FR, GB, IE, IT, MX, NL, NO, PA, SE, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2011: Best Actress (nominated); Best Picture (nominated); Best Supporting Actor (nominated); Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (nominated) - Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Award 2010: Sundance Film Festival U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize Award (won) - The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award 2010: The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award (won) ## If you liked this - *Rosetta* (1999), Fi1m 82: Another determined young woman whose daily survival makes for difficult, absorbing drama. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/rosetta.md) - *The Night of the Hunter* (1955), Fi1m 91: Rural menace and endangered children, with considerably more room for nightmare. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-night-of-the-hunter.md) - *Frozen River* (2008): Economic desperation drives a crime story that pays attention to women’s work. - *The Selfish Giant* (2013), Fi1m 88: Clio Barnard gives working-class children difficult choices without reducing them to examples. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-selfish-giant.md) - *The Quiet Girl* (2022), Fi1m 84: A gentler rural childhood drama, equally attentive to what people leave unsaid. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-quiet-girl.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/winters-bone