The title of this film is a warning of its content.
Very few characters in this film are stable or safe, much less happy. Every character is in pain.
The entire plot is centered around the tragic death of Jason, who, for a reason not explained in the film, chose to park his truck on a country road with the lights off to have a romantic moment of starry night and sweet declarations of love with his girlfriend, Maben.
Garrett Hedlund plays โRussell,โ the drunk driver who drove his truck into Jasonโs truck, killing Jason and subsequently serving 11 years in prison. The movie starts with Russellโs release from prison, and his severe revenge-beating by Jasonโs brother, โLarry,โ an angry, alcoholic whoโs estranged via restraining order from his wife and teenage son, โCody,โ caused by his violent behaviors; and another close friend of the deceased Jason.
Thatโs just the beginning. More misery and desperation is taking place across town.
Having fallen on years of hard times after having poor dead Jasonโs child, โAnnalee,โ now around 5 years old, Maben is abducted and raped by a very deranged deputy sheriff, who then calls all his friends to come have a night of โfunโ with his trapped, naked, terrified quarry, Maben, whoโs ONLY thought is that her 5 year old daughter is alone in a cheap motel room across town. Desperate, she finds the cruel deputyโs pistol laying inside his front seat, takes it, and shoots him dead; picking up the bullet casings.
Mel Gibson, who is a foot shorter, and has no resemblance to Garrett Hedlund whatsoever is cast as Russellโs loving and protective father.
The actors all do a great job, but this film is about a lot of people who mean well doing the wrong thing, and suffering endless consequences. In fact, the story ends with yet, another injustice.
Turns out Russellโs best friend is also a deputy sheriff, who finds himself swept up in the mess.
I felt exhausted at the end of the film.