This is a really elegantly made film all around. Of course, it's grim but the colors and the cinematography do a good job of highlighting just the right type of tone needed for the narrative and these characters' journeys. And emotional journeys they do take. The actors are really fantastic though, and really do make it a powerful sort of journey, much more effective than I would've thought as how the film started. I do think it's such an uncomfortable viewing experience though, not an easy one and while I can usually handle that, I don't think this is a great film though. Effective, but certain writing issues keep it from getting on another level. Still, recommended.