A Single Shot

A Single Shot is a dark, suspense-driven thriller that envelops viewers in its atmospheric storytelling and intense characterization. Directed by David M. Rosenthal and based on the novel by Matthew F. Jones (who also adapted the screenplay), the film, set in 2013, tells the story of a man who stumbles into a chilling whirlwind of unanticipated consequences, triggered by a single, unfortunate incident.

Sam Rockwell, known for his versatile acting prowess, takes center stage as John Moon, a rugged outdoorsman living a sequestered life deep within the wild, desolate backwoods of West Virginia. Moon’s life is far from idyllic, strewn with personal losses and failed dreams. A series of unfortunate circumstances had resulted in him losing his small dairy farm to foreclosure, his hard-earned reputation to poaching shenanigans, and, most importantly, his wife and young child to their tiny town’s gloomy socioeconomic conditions.

The film’s plot is set into action when Moon, while engaged in an illegal hunting expedition in the restricted wilderness surrounding his former farm, accidentally shoots a young woman. Panicked and confused, he decides to cover up his deadly gaffe, unintentionally stumbling upon a small fortune hidden deep within her makeshift camp. Desperate to reclaim his lost life and estranged family, John takes the money, unknowingly tracing a bullseye on his back.

Several unsavory characters, portrayed by actors Jeffrey Wright, Jason Isaacs, and Joe Anderson, enter the story at the thrilling intersection of Moon's past and present miseries. They are looking for their missing money, setting a sinister chain of events into motion. The film cumulates into a terrifying cat-and-mouse game as John Moon, the hunter, becomes the hunted.

Kelly Reilly, known for her roles in Flight and Sherlock Holmes, plays Moon’s estranged wife, a woman caught in the crosshairs of her husband’s dire decisions. Her performance adds depth and poignancy to the overall narrative, highlighting the human cost of Moon’s actions.

A Single Shot excels in its atmospheric storytelling, where the West Virginian wilderness becomes more than just a setting—it becomes a character. Eduardo Serra's masterfully shot frames envelop viewers in the thrilling melancholy of the muted landscape, lending a haunting feel and steadily mounting tension throughout the film. The film's minimalist score, composed by Icelandic musician Atli Örvarsson, supports the deleterious atmosphere, highlighting the lonely echo of the wilderness and the looming dread.

Much of the strength of A Single Shot rests on Sam Rockwell’s capable shoulders. His nuanced, often wordless performance as Moon paints a portrait of a man burdened by regret, desperation, and fear. Rockwell’s portrayal of Moon is both flawed and sympathetic, drawing viewers into his tragic situation.

Despite the grim circumstances, A Single Shot also explores themes of redemption and resilience in the face of life's harsh realities. It examines human nature's darker and complex facets, how poverty and desperation can drive individuals to make morally grey choices, and the irreversible repercussions that come with these decisions.

In a nutshell, A Single Shot is more than just a typical thriller—it's a complex blend of high stake drama laden with psychological undercurrents. It brings together superb acting, compelling storytelling, and impressive cinematography to create a chilling picture of human desperation and regret. It is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful thrillers and nuanced performances, solidifying Sam Rockwell's standing as a versatile leading actor.