The Slaughter Rule

Sundance Channel Home Entertainment provides us with yet another sophisticated, beautifully photographed drama. The Slaughter Rule is ostensibly a football movie set in rural Montana, the story of Roy Chutney (Ryan Gosling) and his friendship with his football coach Gideon (David Morse). These two very charismatic actors carry the film with aplomb. Our tale begins when Roy doesn't make the cut on the HS Varsity football team. He is approached by Gideon who coaches a renegade football team that uses a 6-man formation. There is talk of Gideon's shady past and his possible homosexuality. But Roy ignores the gossip and simply enjoys the more brutal football games and keeps a physical distance from Gideon. Roy begins a relationship with a waitress, Skyla (Clea DuVall) and he gets Tracy Two-Dogs (Spears), his native-American best friend on the team. But when Gideon hugs and caresses Roy, the friendship is challenged. Accusations and mistrust populate their friendship and provide the drama of the film. Expect a compelling story, first-class acting, as well as extraordinary cinematography and locations.

Scott Cranin