Ain't Them Bodies Saints

How this film uses it

Cinematographer Bradford Young shot the film on 35 mm with filters that soften the contrast. Critics described the look as dreamy, magic-hour atmosphere. It turns the Texas fields and porches into a warm, faded memory, so the love story feels like it is already slipping away.

Where to see it

Meridian, Texas: Ruth and her daughter Sylvie live a quiet life in a small town, and Patrick, the officer Ruth once shot, keeps noticing them around town.

How this film uses it

Ruth shot Patrick during the first shootout, but Bob took the blame so she could stay free. Patrick never learns it was her, and he now treats her and her daughter kindly. You watch her hold that secret every time he is gentle with her.

Where to see it

Opening shootout: police chase Bob, Freddy and Ruth to a farmhouse, and Ruth shoots Patrick. Bob takes the fall for it so Ruth can avoid jail.

How this film uses it

Bob is the husband who is gone, Ruth is the woman waiting and Patrick is the kind man close by. Each pair has a real claim. By the end you feel for all three, which makes the finish hurt more.

Where to see it

Sofa and last night: Sylvie wakes to find her mother asleep in Patrick's arms. Later Patrick finds Bob badly wounded in the house and Ruth stops him from approaching.

How this film uses it

Bob's letters from prison promise he will come back to his family. After he escapes, the police read them and Patrick returns them to Ruth. They go from a promise to evidence, which says a lot about how the film sees love and the law.

Where to see it

Letters: Bob writes Ruth from jail promising to be back with her and their child. After he escapes, Patrick visits Ruth to give her letters back that the police had looked over.