Blue Ruin Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Homeless guy gets mad and turns into a dollar-store John Wick, failing upwards into a family feud he barely understands.

🍿 Blue Ruin: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dwight’s Vagrant Life

Dwight Evans lives a solitary life as a beach vagrant, scavenging for food and sleeping in his beat-up car. He’s disconnected from his family and haunted by the past. His mundane existence is disrupted when he learns that Wade Cleland, the man convicted of murdering his parents, is being released from prison.

Revenge

Driven by a thirst for revenge, Dwight decides to take matters into his own hands. He meticulously plans and executes Wade’s murder, but his inexperience and lack of skill quickly become apparent. This initial act sets off a chain of events that spirals out of his control.

Family Retaliation

Dwight’s actions don’t go unnoticed. The Cleland family, a tight-knit and ruthless clan, vows to retaliate. Realizing the danger he’s put himself and his estranged sister, Sam, in, Dwight must protect her and her children from the impending violence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dwight (Macon Blair): A vagrant who seeks revenge for his parents’ murder, leading to a bloody and amateurish descent into violence.
• Sam (Amy Hargreaves): Dwight’s estranged sister who becomes a target after his act of vengeance.
• Ben Gaffney (Devin Ratray): Dwight’s high school friend who provides him with weapons and unexpectedly aids in his revenge.
• Teddy Cleland (Kevin Kolack): A member of the Cleland family who seeks revenge on Dwight, becoming entangled in the escalating feud.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dwight: “You know what’s awful? Just ’cause my dad loved your mom… we all end up dead.” – Dwight reflects on the tragic chain of events stemming from his father’s affair, encapsulating the futility of the revenge cycle.
• Ben Gaffney: “That’s what bullets do.” – Ben’s blunt statement after killing Teddy, highlights the cold reality and finality of violence in contrast to Dwight’s hesitation.
• Sam: “I’d forgive you if you were crazy, but you’re not; you’re weak.” – Sam’s harsh words to Dwight express her disappointment in his actions, seeing them as driven by weakness rather than justified anger.
• Dwight: “The keys are in the car.” – Dwight’s last words to the boy, indicates the desire to end the cycle of violence and provides a means of escape.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $420,000
• Domestic Gross: $258,384
• Worldwide Gross: $993,313

💥 Blue Ruin Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by Blue Ruin! It’s nothing like your typical action movie. Dwight isn’t a superhero; he’s just a regular guy who makes a series of increasingly bad decisions. The scene where he tries to remove the arrow from his leg? I was squirming in my seat! And that ending… wow. It’s stayed with me for days. If you’re tired of Hollywood fluff, you need to see this film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films with realistic violence”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing content”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Jeremy Saulnier crafts a gripping and visceral thriller that subverts the revenge genre by focusing on an inept protagonist caught in a cycle of violence. Macon Blair delivers a career-defining performance, portraying vulnerability and determination with equal measure. A must-see for fans of independent cinema.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Blue Ruin is a masterclass in tension and suspense. Saulnier’s direction is precise, creating a palpable sense of dread that permeates every scene. The film’s stark realism and unflinching portrayal of violence make it a truly unforgettable experience. Macon Blair is compelling.
• Variety: “A neo-noir gem, Blue Ruin offers a fresh take on the revenge thriller. Macon Blair’s portrayal of Dwight is both sympathetic and unsettling, capturing the character’s transformation from vagrant to reluctant killer. The film’s minimalistic approach and haunting score amplify its impact.

Audience Reactions

Macon Blair’s performance is phenomenal, making the character relatable and sympathetic.: Everyone agrees the movie has brilliant twists and turns that keep you hooked.

The raw and realistic violence is impactful and avoids glorification.: Many viewers were impressed by the suspense and slow-burn tension.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed indie thriller praised for its realism, suspense, and Macon Blair’s outstanding performance.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (FIPRESCI Prize)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Jeremy Saulnier financed the film partially through a Kickstarter campaign, demonstrating the power of crowd-funding in independent cinema.”
• “Devin Ratray’s character, Ben Gaffney, is based on a real high school friend of director Jeremy Saulnier. Saulnier consulted with him to accurately portray his moral views and gun collection.”
• “Many of the filming locations were personal to the director, including his family home and car, adding a layer of authenticity to the film’s setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Blue Ruin?

Blue Ruin is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming services. You can rent or purchase it from these platforms. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Blue Ruin, you might like these similar films:

• No Country for Old Men (2007): Features a neo-noir crime story with a focus on the consequences of violence and ordinary people caught in dangerous situations.
• Blood Simple (1984): A Coen Brothers classic that shares a similar indie sensibility and a story centered on the messy, realistic consequences of crime and revenge.
• Prisoners (2013): A dark and suspenseful thriller that explores the lengths people will go to when seeking justice, and the moral compromises they make.
• Hell or High Water (2016): Modern western, a crime drama with a strong sense of place, focusing on desperate characters making difficult choices in the face of economic hardship and familial loyalty.

🛒 Blue Ruin Related Products

• Blue Ruin [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray. Includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, providing deeper insights into the making of this indie masterpiece.
• Blue Ruin Movie Poster: Display the film’s striking poster. Perfect for movie rooms and fan collections, it captures the essence of the film’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
• The Art and Making of Blue Ruin: Get an exclusive look into the creative process behind Blue Ruin with this digital art book. Includes concept art, storyboards, and director’s notes, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience.
• “Vigilante Justice: A Blue Ruin Inspired Strategy Game”: Step into Dwight’s shoes in this strategy game. Navigate complex moral choices, manage resources, and plan your path to revenge. Every decision has consequences in this gripping game, making it a thrilling experience.

🎧 Soundtrack

Blue Ruin features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stunt Double” – performed by The Texas Sapphires
• “Score from Blue Ruin” – performed by Brothers Blair

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

when a director uses a weird camera

Ever wonder what makes ‘Blue Ruin’ so visually striking? This video dives into the camera techniques used and compares them to other movies. It’s pretty interesting to see how different cameras can shape a film’s feel!

Top 10 Movie Headshots. Movie Scenes Compilation. Vol. 13 [HD]

Prepare yourself for some intense movie moments! ‘Blue Ruin’ makes the cut in this compilation of unforgettable headshots. It’s a wild ride, showing some of the most shocking scenes in cinema – ‘Blue Ruin’ included!

Defining Film Noir

Is ‘Blue Ruin’ actually Film Noir? This video breaks down the genre and uses ‘Blue Ruin’ as a case study. You’ll be surprised by the themes and elements that make it a modern take on a classic style!

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