Ain't Them Bodies Saints

For this week’s movie review, I’m taking it back to 2011 with a review of cult movie “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints.” Set in Texas in the 1980s, this movie shows the plight of a couple who are separated before the birth of their child.

Ruth Guthrie and Bob Muldoon live on their own in south Texas and are expecting a child. Bob is working odd jobs to support the family but some time before the beginning of the film, Ruth and Bob become wanted by the police. When Ruth shoots an officer in retaliation, Bob takes the blame and is sent to prison. Ruth gives birth to their child while Bob sends letters from prison, expressing his love. However, when Bob escapes from prison five years into his sentence and searches for Ruth, she questions whether or not she wants him to return.

The acting in this movie is absolutely stellar. Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara star as Bob and Ruth, respectively. Both actors bring intense passion to the role and their on-screen chemistry as a couple is palpable to the viewer. The supporting cast is also amazing. Ben Foster plays the county sheriff who befriends Ruth and her daughter despite being the officer who was shot by Ruth years ago. Keith Carradine steals the stage in many scenes by playing the tough-talking, swaggering store owner, who assumes the role of father figure to Ruth and grandfather to her child. Carradine’s character, Skerrit, comes into intense conflict with Bob when he returns to town.

The plot of this movie is not only intricate and interesting, but emotional as well. The actions of all of the characters spin the narrative into an intense web, and somehow the plot involves each character with the rest in a way that does not feel overbearing or forced.

Besides boasting an excellent plot, “Ain't Them Bodies Saints” has an amazing soundtrack. The southern influence is quite noticeable, and many tracks feature banjos, guitars and the warbling voices so linked with the South. The music serves as a fantastic backdrop to the film and, like all great soundtracks, helps the viewer to interpret the story without overpowering their emotions. In certain places, the music can be telling, but it is worth it to hear the twangs and strums that are so enchanting.

Interestingly, the movie’s title is meaningless. According to cast members, the title came from director David Lowery’s misinterpretation of song lyrics. So, while the title is a bit of a grab, and it sounds nice, there is no real meaning behind it, and the title is not referenced in the course of the movie.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed the movie. The plot has some dull points and the storyline can be a bit shabby, but it was when the credits rolled that I understood the message, and it moved me greatly. I would recommend this film to anyone with southern roots who is in the mood for a moving film that leaves you asking, “So what was that really about?”