The Woodsman (2004)
A convicted sex offender attempts to rebuild his life after prison in this morally unflinching drama anchored by Kevin Bacon's extraordinary performance.
The Woodsman - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Woodsman
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Nicole Kassell
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 24, 2004 (United States - R), February 25, 2005 (United Kingdom - 15), May 5, 2005 (Germany - 12), March 15, 2006 (France - 10), May 5, 2005 (Australia - MA 15+)
- Alternative Titles: El leñador (ES), O Lenhador (BR), Der Dämon in mir (DE)
- Production Companies: Lee Daniels Entertainment, Dash Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Woodsman - Plot
After twelve years in prison, Walter returns home. His family has abandoned him, save for his brother-in-law. Few know he's a sex offender and pedophile. Walter finds an apartment and is regularly visited by his parole officer. He gets a job at a lumber mill and starts seeing a coworker. Then his new world begins to unravel; as his past becomes known, he strikes up a high-risk friendship with a young girl and realizes that a man loitering near a schoolyard is a child molester prowling for his next victim.
The Woodsman - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the film's haunting emotional landscape unfold:
Nothing can undo the past.
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The Woodsman - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nicole Kassell
Main Cast
- Kevin Bacon
- David Alan Grier
- Kyra Sedgwick
- Eve
- Benjamin Bratt
- Carlos Leon
- Michael Shannon
- Nicole Gibson
- Kevin Rice
- Yasiin Bey
Writers
- Steven Fechter
- Nicole Kassell
Producers
- Lee Daniels
The Woodsman - FAQs
Is The Woodsman based on a true story?
No, The Woodsman is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Steven Fechter's 2000 stage play of the same name. The screenplay was co-written by Fechter and director Nicole Kassell, and the narrative is entirely fictional, though it draws on real psychological and social dynamics surrounding rehabilitation and recidivism.
Where can you stream The Woodsman (2004)?
The Woodsman is available to stream free on Tubi TV, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Amazon Prime Video subscribers can watch it as part of their membership.
How does The Woodsman end?
In the film's climax, Walter confronts a predatory man he has been watching near a schoolyard. After a tense encounter, Walter chooses not to harm the man but instead warns him away, signaling a crucial moral turning point. The ending is deliberately ambiguous, suggesting cautious hope for Walter's ongoing struggle toward self-control and redemption.
Who are the main actors in The Woodsman?
The Woodsman stars Kevin Bacon as Walter, the central character, alongside Kyra Sedgwick as his love interest Vicki, David Alan Grier as his coworker Bob, Benjamin Bratt as Detective Carlos, Michael Shannon as parole officer Rosen, Eve as Mary-Kay, and Yasiin Bey as Sgt. Lucas.
What is The Woodsman (2004) about?
The Woodsman follows Walter, a convicted pedophile released after twelve years in prison, as he attempts to reintegrate into society. He finds work at a lumber mill, begins a cautious relationship with a coworker, and faces mounting pressure from his parole officer, suspicious colleagues, and his own deeply troubling impulses.
How was The Woodsman received by critics?
The Woodsman earned strong critical praise, particularly for Kevin Bacon's fearless lead performance. Critics recognized it as a courageous, morally complex film that refuses easy judgment. It holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers highlighting Nicole Kassell's assured directorial debut and the film's unflinching emotional honesty.
What is the age rating for The Woodsman?
The Woodsman is rated R in the United States. The film contains mature and disturbing thematic content related to child sexual abuse, adult language, and brief sexual situations. It is intended strictly for adult audiences. In the UK it carries a 15 certificate, and in Australia it is rated MA 15+.
Who directed The Woodsman and who wrote it?
The Woodsman was directed by Nicole Kassell in her feature directorial debut. The screenplay was co-written by Kassell and Steven Fechter, adapting Fechter's own acclaimed off-Broadway stage play. The film was produced by Lee Daniels and shot by cinematographer Xavier Grobet, with music composed by Nathan Larson.
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