Little Woods

Little Woods is an exceptionally gripping 2018 drama that amalgamates the pressures of modern society, while encapsulating the nuances of intimate human relationships. Directed and written by the breakthrough talent Nia DaCosta, this independent film went on to make a mark at the Tribeca Film Festival, establishing DaCosta as an authentic original voice in American cinema.

The film stars the enigmatic Tessa Thompson (from Thor: Ragnarok and Creed fame) and the effervescent Lily James (known for roles in Cinderella and Baby Driver). They play estranged half-sisters, Ollie (Thompson) and Deb (James), living on the fringes of society in the oil-rich, economically depressed small town of Little Woods, North Dakota.

The lethal combination of Thompson and James brings an unparalleled emotional portrait that takes a hard look at the country’s decaying soul, offering a poignant narrative on women who refuse to be defeated or defined by their environment. Their performances showcase the struggle to meet life's demands while dealing with personal obstacles and confront broken dreams, limited opportunities, and critical decisions for survival.

Ollie, the elder sister, is on probation for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and is trying to go straight. She's a tough-yet-smart individual who handled their sick mother's medical predicaments previously and is now burdened with mortgage issues attached to their family home. On the other hand, we have Deb, a single mother living in a rundown trailer who discovers she's pregnant again. She’s struggling with her choice—balancing the financial cost of a legal abortion and taking care of her son.

This situation throws the sisters into each other’s worlds, leading them to face their personal hurdles together. Ollie finds herself reluctantly returning to a life of illicit activity after her sister’s plea for help. The tension builds when they start clashing with an old enemy, played with menace by Luke Kirby.

While crafting a thrilling plotline, Little Woods magnificently captures the rich tapestry of a forgotten America on the edge of survival. It paints a visually arresting picture of a town plagued by economic decay and the desperate situations its inhabitants find themselves in.

DaCosta's gripping screenplay vividly captures the gritty realism of life on society's margins, navigating difficult topics like health care, parenthood, and poverty with empathy and nuance—adding depth to the narrative of the film. Through her lens, the film delves into the cost and value of self-preservation and survival, examining morality against the backdrop of an unforgiving landscape, balancing despair against hope, and struggle against resilience.

The uniqueness of Little Woods lies in its genre. It's a hybrid between a western and a crime thriller, stewed in social realism. The film digs deep into the battle women have to wage to make their way in a world plagued by systemic problems that are stacked against them. From its desolate and atmospheric setting to the hushed tones of its dialogue, Little Woods is an atmospheric and brooding contemplation of life that's grounded in the harsh reality of rural America.

DaCosta, who would later cement her talent with the contemporary reboot of Candyman, uses the backdrop of the opioid crisis and the healthcare system, to narrate a potent morality tale. The central performances are also powerfully grounded. Thompson and James both deliver career-best performances as women pushed to the edge, tying us emotionally to their characters’ journeys.

The cinematography by Matt Mitchell sets an intense mood that's perfect for the film's thematic content, providing a hauntingly beautiful but sober view of the North Dakotan landscape. The original score by Brian McOmber heavily contributes to building the film’s moody atmosphere and elevating its dramatic stakes.

In conclusion, Little Woods is a deeply thoughtful, tense, and socially conscious drama highlighting sisterhood and resilience. The film, filled with poignant performances and a gripping storyline, is an exploration of the human spirit in times of crisis, turning a spotlight on parts of America too often left in the dark. It documents the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, making it a highly relevant and powerful cinematic piece.