Bifrost Pictures, Dreambridge Films, Myriad Pictures,
Noah Wyle, Jeremy Irvine, Minka Kelly, Adelaide Clemens, Steve Earle, Haley Joel Osment
Travis Shelton (Jeremy Irvine) is a young boy living in Western North Carolina in a small town where one of the other feud’s has been raging since the infamous Shelton Laurel Massacre where 13 men and children were killed as Union sympathizers by a Confederate Army. Travis finds a field of marijuana and figures to steal some, but gets caught by a bear trap and nearly loses his leg. Former teacher Leonard, takes him under his wing and tries to teach him his history and the history of his people. But the old hatreds are still strong, and the families are now run by drug dealers and the like and are still as dangerous as they were over a hundred years ago.
This is an interesting film based on the novel of the same name from 2006. Surrounded by the story of the massacre, it views the effects of a century old feud on the people of this little remote town today. It’s a dark story, and it was a horrible time. This is heavy drama, and the story is well told. I enjoy films based on historical events, and this was interesting because it was the fallout of 100 years later, not the actual event, but the ripples from that event are examined as they affect people today. Well acted, and pretty well developed. This is not the usual hillbilly story that is based on stereotypical cartoon characters but is very deep in character development and substance. Yet life is still difficult in these remote areas as it always has been. This was an enjoyable film, and though it didn’t set any records, it was a pleasure to watch. Not for everyone, as it is a dark drama with not too much action, but it’s a well crafted and developed story if you’re so inclined. It will make you think instead of react.
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