After a couple of years, and I’m sure plenty more funding, Jeremy Saulnier followed up his debut film with his more passion filled thriller. ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) seems to be more intimate and personal to Saulnier, and it shows such a skill in filmmaking. This is not a fast moving shoot em up film, in fact I would say it’s the exact opposite, but for what it has, and how it’s been made, I would say it’s better than any quick paced action film out there. ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) takes its time to tell a well throughout story with meaningful storylines going. This was definitely a step in the right direction for Saulnier, and it’s apparent seeing this what he would go and do. 

I’m sure a lot of people hear the genre “thriller” and automatically think of a quick paced action film that gets the blood pumping. However, that’s not always the case when it comes to more independent movies. ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) is a thriller through and through, but it lets the unsettling manner of the world simmer into our minds. The waiting in the film is perhaps some of the most thrilling aspects in it. Little music is thrown around, and the quieter a scene gets, the more intense it starts to feel. Then all of a sudden, there will be a massive burst of violence on the screen. It’s perfect pacing, and it really hooked me in, as I am sure it will hook you in as well. 

I love the classic revenge structure this movie has, while still turning it on its head. We don’t get to learn much about what caused this blood fueled film, and even by the end, questions aren’t answered. However, the script is so smart to make it not even matter. The only thing that is important is what is happening in camera, and what the next course of action will be. It’s impressive for a writer to make us not care about the preliminary cause, and only focus on the after math of it all. Of course, in traditional style of this film, the conclusion to the revenge is quick and lacks any cinematic flair, which is for the best, and makes this whole movie grounded in what it knows. 

Violence is a very important aspect of ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013), even if it seems like something on the back burner at times. Like I mentioned before, the violence is quick, but impactful. Slow builds lead to explosive gore all over the screen. I promise you, if you can’t stand the sight of blood, this is not the movie for you. The prominence isn’t always there, but when it shows up, it’s one impactful shot. Violence is used in many different ways throughout this film. In self defense, in an act of vengeance, in the protection of someone else, and so on. I never realized how complex this movie made violence and the justification of it until this time around, but it’s worth noting for a rewatch. 

Jeremy Saulnier is of course one of my favorite contemporary directors working, and he hardly disappoints. ‘Murder Party’ (2007) was a great look at what he could do, and ‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) is a great look at what he did do. Saulnier loves his complex characters, where everyone has their own motivations, for their own reasons. He also knowns the best way to build tension on top of any scene. Now this is all stuff I have just been talking about, and it’s clear that Saulnier’s vision is one of a kind. He manages to make movies that excite me, and make me happy I love the movies. 

‘Blue Ruin’ (2013) really is a great venture into a different world of indie movie making. There is so much that goes on throughout this movie, and its will to help you understand it, while not giving too much away. The movie is wonderfully acted, it’s brilliantly directed, and perfectly written. It’s a bit of a tough movie, and if you don’t enjoy a slower burn, this might be one to take caution of. However, I promise you that it’s still worth the time and the effort to watch. Jeremy Saulnier is definitely a genius, and this early work shows it all off.