If you just want typical Hollywood schlock with lots of ketchup then this film is not for you. It's the realism, the tension, the suspense and the sense of menace along with the outstanding performances and attention to detail that made it so compelling for me. I like the way it makes you think by omission and try to figure out just what exactly is going on. Watch the "Barrel Murders" documentary afterwards (ideally not before) for a full and complete explanation of the depicted events.