Red Wing 2013

     This film is based on a French novella, Francois Le Champi (The Country Waif) by George Sand and originally published in periodical form from 1847-48.  The setting of for the film is present day in a small Texas town.  Maddie is married to Carl and they have a young son, Johnny.  Carl’s mother, Momma B, also lives on the farm with them.  Maddie meets Francis by the creek and later she finds out he is a foster child living with Isabelle Riley in the trailer behind their house.  Francis becomes a farmhand for Carl so they can continue to live in the trailer.   Isabelle became ill, couldn't keep her job and they can’t pay the rent.  Isabelle passes away  and Maddie convinces Carl to let Francis stay in the trailer, continue to be their farm hand and they can now collect the subsidy paid for foster children. 

     Momma B and Carl are both not easy people to get along with at any time.  Maddie is a saint and she doesn’t deserve to be treated badly by either one of them.  Francis tries to do the best job he can and he seems to always get short changed.  There is beautiful cinematography and a surprise ending that I didn’t see happening.  4 ½*  (I really loved this movie) 

108 min, Drama directed by Will Wallace with Glen Powell, Bill Paxton, Luke Perry, Frances Fisher, Joelle Carter, Jamie Gallagher, Breann Johnson, Niki Koss.

Note:  Imdb 7.7 out of 10, 80% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.5 out of 5* with 16 reviews.

Special Note:  The director is the stepson of filmmaker Terrence Malick.