The Woodsman

REVIEW
After serving a 12 year sentence, Walter (Bacon) returns to his home town a convicted child molester of young girls. The only social contact he has is with his prescribed psychiatrist and his brother-in-law (Bratt) who informs him his sister does not want to see him nor does she want him anywhere near his young niece.

Starting to believe he is guilty for life although having already served his time, Walter tries proving himself at a new job which still doesn’t excuse him from nosy, suspicious co-workers or Sgt. Lucas (the impressive Mos Def) who seems to have his own personal vendetta against the former pedophile.

It is when the tough-talking Vicky (Bacon’s wife Sedgwick in a very strong performance) strives to make a breakthrough that we truly begin to root for a character that is essentially villain-like. Through an interesting view-point, there is a sub-plot involving Walter and a man who may or may not be attempting to molest young boys that attend the children’s school across the street. Through this character analysis, we begin to fully appreciate and perhaps sympathize with the fact that Walter wants to be better. He wants to know when he will be “normal”.

Not so much a story of pedophilia but more so of redemption and forgiveness, Nicole Kassell’s debut film is gritty and daring. It tackles subject matter most would find uneasy, yet presents it in a very subtle and polished presentation. There is only a brief moment when Kassell gets her point across by making us uncomfortable and that scene strongly conveys the film’s underlining theme. Overall, the pace never derails from the filmmaker’s intended style and we are thoroughly wowed by Bacon’s captivating portrayal of this very challenging character.