Winter's Bone (2010)
A raw, gripping Ozark survival drama that launched Jennifer Lawrence to stardom and redefined American independent cinema.
Winter's Bone - Movie Information
- Original Title: Winter's Bone
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Debra Granik
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Mystery
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 2010 (Brazil - 16), June 11, 2010 (United States - R), June 11, 2010 (Canada - R), September 17, 2010 (United Kingdom - 15), March 31, 2011 (Germany - 12), March 2, 2011 (France - U), May 18, 2011 (New Zealand - R13), November 10, 2010 (Australia - MA 15+), March 4, 2011 (Mexico - B-15), February 18, 2011 (Italy - T), February 11, 2011 (Spain - 12), January 20, 2011 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Winters Knochen (DE), Lazos de sangre (AR)
- Production Companies: Anonymous Content, Winter's Bone Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Winter's Bone - Plot
After discovering her father put their house up for his bail bond and then disappeared, 17-year-old Ree Dolly must confront the local criminal underworld and the harsh Ozark wilderness in order to track down her father and save her family.
Winter's Bone - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Ozark wilderness come to life:
Talking just causes witnesses.
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Winter's Bone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Debra Granik
Main Cast
- Jennifer Lawrence
- John Hawkes
- Kevin Breznahan
- Dale Dickey
- Garret Dillahunt
- Sheryl Lee
- Shelley Waggener
- Isaiah Stone
- Lauren Sweetser
- Ashlee Thompson
Writers
- Debra Granik
- Anne Rosellini
Producers
- Anne Rosellini
- Alix Madigan
Winter's Bone - FAQs
What is Winter's Bone about?
Winter's Bone follows 17-year-old Ree Dolly, who must track down her missing father through the dangerous, secretive criminal underworld of the Ozark Mountains. If she fails, her family loses their home. It's a tense, deeply human survival story praised for its raw authenticity and Jennifer Lawrence's breakthrough performance.
Is Winter's Bone based on a true story?
Winter's Bone is based on Daniel Woodrell's 2006 novel of the same name, not a specific true story. However, Woodrell drew heavily from the real culture, poverty, and tight-knit criminal codes of the Missouri Ozarks, giving the film a powerful sense of authenticity that feels very much rooted in reality.
Where can you stream Winter's Bone?
You can watch Winter's Bone for free on Kanopy or the Plex Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home, and available to purchase on YouTube.
What does the ending of Winter's Bone mean?
The ending sees Ree finally secure proof of her father's death, saving the family home. Rather than triumphant, it's bittersweet — Ree has preserved her family's survival but remains trapped in the same bleak world. The final image of her holding a banjo quietly signals resilience without escape.
Who are the main actors in Winter's Bone?
Jennifer Lawrence leads the cast as Ree Dolly in her breakout role, alongside John Hawkes as her volatile uncle Teardrop. The supporting cast includes Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Sheryl Lee, and Lauren Sweetser, many of whom were local non-professional actors lending the film its striking authenticity.
Did Winter's Bone win any major awards?
Winter's Bone earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Jennifer Lawrence, Best Supporting Actor for John Hawkes, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, which launched it onto the awards circuit and into wide release.
Is Winter's Bone worth watching in 2024?
Absolutely. Winter's Bone holds a 94% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes and remains one of the defining American indie films of the 2010s. It's a masterclass in atmospheric tension and naturalistic performance — and watching Jennifer Lawrence before she became a global star makes it all the more compelling.
Where was Winter's Bone filmed?
The film was shot almost entirely on location in the Missouri Ozarks, primarily in Christian and Taney counties. Director Debra Granik insisted on authentic locations to capture the region's stark beauty and poverty, and cast many local residents alongside professional actors to deepen that sense of place.
More About Winter's Bone
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