Coldwater (2013)★ 6.5/10

The story is good, but it’s hard to be deeply moved. The director doesn’t explore the emotional depth enough, and as a result, all the violence feels superficial.

The male lead is like Ryan Gosling turned up to eleven—voice, looks, the whole package. Set in a juvenile detention center, the film’s setting is refreshingly unique, heightening every moment of brutality and violence. The rebellious protagonist brims with a fierce sense of justice; even as a troubled youth, he reveals a surprisingly tender side. And let’s be real: that face is absolutely stunning.