IMDB Score – 7.0
RT Score – 76%

A big thanks to these filmmakers for having their new films released on VOD because without them I think I wouldn’t be seeing a lot of films this summer. I still have to get out to the theater to see You’re Next and The World’s End but for now I’m going to be watching VOD releases closely because it seems that the quality films are being released there instead of on the big screen this summer. This is no different. David Lowery is now a filmmaker that I’m going to keep an eye on because he directed a great little film here. The story is a bit run of the mill as we follow what happens to a young couple (Mara and Affleck) after a run in with police and years apart. The story didn’t really show us anything new and besides a few great moments was mostly filled with a lot of holes but that isn’t what makes this film one of the better ones I’ve seen this year. First off the acting is fantastic. Rooney Mara and Casey Affleck give incredible performances that in my mind rival their Academy award nominated performances. Ben Foster delivered a subdued but very emotional performance and Keith Carradine was mesmorizing every time he appeared on screen. The film also boasts some of the best cinematography this year as every single shit is lighted to perfection. You really get a great sense of the feeling that Texas can bring at night and with Affleck’s voice narrating most of these shots you get a real sense of wonder that Terrance Malick brings to the table. Actually, that’s a good way to describe this film, an almost Malick-lite film. It definitely shares themes with Badlands and would offer a one two punch if watched together. With the never ending crap that is being spewed at us this year as far as summer movies go, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints is a breath of fresh air from the stink that is big budget movies and for only seven bucks you can watch it from your couch. Not a big deal.

4/5