I enjoyed the movie. Decent plot, capable acting, a fine supporting role for Ted Levine. I did notice some discrepancies however that bothered me throughout. I watched it on TV where the brief synopsis said "in a small Montana town ...", so I was surprised that the license plate of a long-residing character was from Missouri. Also, the deputy's shoulder patch clearly has the outline of Texas on it. Why not Montana? Or Missouri? The ending credits say the film was shot in Louisiana. Where was the continuity person?
35 Reviews
typical unfinished mystery drama
NijazBaBs18 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It's hard to decide is this movie good or bad. I guess it's 50-50. It's good because it is emotional, mysterious, and realistic. It's bad because it's unfinished and beginning is not so much different from ending, same problem, different person. There were few unpredictable things, the same ones that could be unpredictable and dependable on people around us. That is trust, making decisions, and reactions of people around us, especially of people who can harm us intentionally or unintentionally. Characters are not neither best nor worst actors. Most look realistically immersed into their problems as if it is all real. They did show some concern and emotions about situation, but I think this could have progressed into bigger adventure and deeper emotions instead of typical quick twist at the end, and in fact unfinished end. It's all about crime, facts, reality (even if negative), and relationships. Good to watch for those who like drama in combination with mystery.
6.5/10 script was terrible. Acting was amazing
vasgas2000-673-78034224 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Overall, the movie had great potential if they focused more on the aftermath of their romance instead of the investigation. Brenton Thwaites as Norman lacked emotion, especially, the most crucial emotion that was supposed to be portrayed; guilt and love. Which eventually should lead to fear.
Alycia Debnam-Carey as Frances on the other hand, was perfect in executing her parts, only problem was she lacked storyline, and should have been given more weight. If her character had been more prominent, the movie could have been more interesting.
The storyline, shouldnt have given too much away in the first part. The plot was interesting but the flow of the film killed it.
Parts are like watching paint dry
wanderer1570118 May 2019
VIEWS ON FILM review of A Violent Separation
burlesonjesse523 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"You drop a stack of hay in a tub of water and the needle will fall to the bottom". Huh, that's interesting.
Anyway in 1998, I remembered seeing one of my all-time favorite films. That would be Sam Raimi's coaxing and nasty thriller, A Simple Plan. A Violent Separation feels very rain-soaked, very Mayberry, slightly neo-noir, and Simple Plan...ish. Yup, it's my latest review.
"Separation" with its depressing, closed-in feel, heralds solid performances from its B-list cast. That's especially inherent in Ted Levine who plays a disciplined, can't-let-it-go detective. "Separation's" two brother directors (Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz) create a flick with palpable tension and diverse moments where nothing is actually what it seems. Their "Separation" may be slow at times but it unfolds effectively with a Lady Macbeth-type character flaw (spoiler).
Harboring a setting involving small town Missouri circa 1983 (even though it doesn't really look like 1983), A Violent Separation chronicles two siblings named Norman and Ray Young (played intensely by Brenton Thwaites and Ben Robson). Ray accidentally kills his girlfriend by gunshot and his young, sheriff bro Norman tries to help him cover it up.
Look for actors who resemble other actors (Thwaites looks like Andrew Garfield, Robson looks like Chris Hardwick, and Alycia Debnam-Cary has that Emmy Rossum thing going on), a lot of metaphoric fishing scenes, an ardent musical score, and lots of bar tussles. Basically, "Separation" has the same southern fried look as 2017's Running Wild. You can smell the horse manure, leather boots, leather chaps, and well whiskey from a mile away.
A Violent Separation was shot in Louisiana yet made to look like it all went down in The Show-Me State (I didn't pick up on that initially). It's a little Lifetime network, a little direct-to-video, and sort of low budgeted (watch for fake snowflakes and even faker ground snow). Still, A Violent Separation is involving enough to recommend. "Separation" is mucho "trepidation". Rating: 3 stars.
Anyway in 1998, I remembered seeing one of my all-time favorite films. That would be Sam Raimi's coaxing and nasty thriller, A Simple Plan. A Violent Separation feels very rain-soaked, very Mayberry, slightly neo-noir, and Simple Plan...ish. Yup, it's my latest review.
"Separation" with its depressing, closed-in feel, heralds solid performances from its B-list cast. That's especially inherent in Ted Levine who plays a disciplined, can't-let-it-go detective. "Separation's" two brother directors (Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz) create a flick with palpable tension and diverse moments where nothing is actually what it seems. Their "Separation" may be slow at times but it unfolds effectively with a Lady Macbeth-type character flaw (spoiler).
Harboring a setting involving small town Missouri circa 1983 (even though it doesn't really look like 1983), A Violent Separation chronicles two siblings named Norman and Ray Young (played intensely by Brenton Thwaites and Ben Robson). Ray accidentally kills his girlfriend by gunshot and his young, sheriff bro Norman tries to help him cover it up.
Look for actors who resemble other actors (Thwaites looks like Andrew Garfield, Robson looks like Chris Hardwick, and Alycia Debnam-Cary has that Emmy Rossum thing going on), a lot of metaphoric fishing scenes, an ardent musical score, and lots of bar tussles. Basically, "Separation" has the same southern fried look as 2017's Running Wild. You can smell the horse manure, leather boots, leather chaps, and well whiskey from a mile away.
A Violent Separation was shot in Louisiana yet made to look like it all went down in The Show-Me State (I didn't pick up on that initially). It's a little Lifetime network, a little direct-to-video, and sort of low budgeted (watch for fake snowflakes and even faker ground snow). Still, A Violent Separation is involving enough to recommend. "Separation" is mucho "trepidation". Rating: 3 stars.
Don't watch it
michelleoverton24 March 2020
Continuity?
pamotta16 August 2020
Hey, producers. Note: If you go to the trouble of intentionally setting your storyline in Missouri and go to the trouble of creating a fictional county and making sure the license plates say "Missouri," go the extra mile and make sure the deputy sheriff in the film isn't wearing an prominent "Texas" patch on his shirt. From the point that I saw that, all I could think was this story had a rank amateur lurking in the background somewhere.
Waste of time
phd_travel17 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The attempted hillbilly drama isn't good for 2 reasons. First the story isn't well written. Although the first part about protecting your kin is quite good then the resolution falls flat.
Shooting the brother didn't ring true.
The story should have ended properly. What happens after that? If they were going to put us through the whole movie at least end their relationship on a more definite path. Felt like a waste of time.
The cute Aussie cast is too pretty to be white trash. But if they weren't nice to look at this movie would be even worse.
Shooting the brother didn't ring true.
The story should have ended properly. What happens after that? If they were going to put us through the whole movie at least end their relationship on a more definite path. Felt like a waste of time.
The cute Aussie cast is too pretty to be white trash. But if they weren't nice to look at this movie would be even worse.
Don't understand why so many bad reviews
adelao-0209631 May 2019
I've started this movie with almost no expectation based on critics and viewers reviews. It was supposed to be badly acted, too slow, unfinished... but, I found none of the above. The movie has two major events, one in the beginning, one at the end, the rest can seem indeed slow and boring, but I think that was exactly the point, whatever happens in the arc between the beginning and the end it's just life, little moments, which I found were very well put together to imply that life goes on and it does not have to be extraordinary every day. It was what made the movie very realistic. As for the ending, without giving too many spoilers, I will just say that I think it was quite clear, even if the authors did not spell it out for us, the message was there, one look to freeze him on the spot for the time being and one left wide open door for him to come in eventually say quite enough. The entire movie was less about words and more about acting and I think the actors did a great job acting it.
A beautiful, but melodramatic, score....
hilary8929 December 2020
It's hard to say exactly what downgrades this film. I thought the performances were truly solid. The storyline was compelling and well thought out. Honestly, I think it was the soundtrack. I hate to say this, because it's a genuinely stunning score, it just served to strike too much of a melodramatic tone. I think the overall presentation of the film would have been served better by a more minimalistic score and corresponding editing.
All that said, I think it's worth a watch.
All that said, I think it's worth a watch.
Agree with other review
Headturner118 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm in the same train of though. Indie movies are either excellent or ok. I guess this falls in the ok. The cinematography was beautiful as well as the shots. Acting was good( was surprised most of the cast is from UK or Australia. Was good to see Bufallo bill again( I honestly couldn't figure out who he was until I came here). I feel like I didn't feel for any of the characters as the script didn't show any back story or maybe it didn't do a good job of conveying thing. It was kind of all over the place and lots of un answered questions. Spoiler: was she pregnant? I got that when the DR said " oh and there's something else also when he was fishing and pulls the slip out of his pocket. The movie went to stupid and ridiculous when he goes as far as to shoot him. How did he know the wife or dad wasn't going to go to the authorities and he keeps saying "Ray, Ray over and over and i thought he was going to say " she's pregnant". No he just shoots him and the ending. What was that even. So it was a decent watch but no real emotion in my opinion just a bunch of actions thru actions. don't really know what else I can sy about it which kind of goes with the movie.
Another dumb foolish and bored to freaking death movie! Avoid at all cost!
kwenchow22 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This film start at 1983, two brothers(Norman and Ray), fall in love with two sisters(Frances and Abbey)! One day, Abbey ask Ray to teach her shooting, in the car Abbey kill by the gun hold on her hand when she play with it! Ray later begging Norman to cover for him! Because he already dump the body and he also have some crime records! As turnout, Norman is a police officer! This story really not realistic and treat audience like idiot! Norman should do the right thing, investigate the whole thing! Instead he doing all wrong entire film! He let his superior step in and he even change the key for Ray! Don't expect intense action scene! Is zero! Have a nudity scene when Ray having sex with another woman after Abbey dead! Most ridiculous is the ending scene! Norman don't want let Ray submit, he ridiculously shot him to death! Completely wasting time to watch! Just skip this film!
Bad ending
luvmysawyer21 October 2021
Poor Quality Film
dk-840482 March 2020
Two types man or time. This is about the time
shaneandamy-1962914 June 2019
I thought this was very good. The only criticism is that it should be under crime drama and not crime thriller. The crime starts the movie and then we see how time, guilt and life is changed for all of them due to that one event. Definitely one of the better flicks I have seen in the past few months.
Haystacks and needles
sharit-1696629 June 2021
Compelling!
bripilar-4115321 May 2019
This movie has very fascinating dramatic story lines, amazing acting, especially from Alycia Debnam-Carey who was beautiful in this, and visually stunning. Most people don't know how hard it is to pull this off with only the limited resources and time this indie movie had and even for a big budget film it was truly very enjoyable! Definitely worth the watch!
A Great Thriller
ShanoHepworth19 May 2019
I was excited to see this film for 1 reason mainly and thats because I love Alycia Debnam-Carey but it was a great film which I enjoyed from start to finish. My favorite genre in films is thriller the ones that keep you guessing and this was one of them I dont believe it was slow or boring I feel while watching it had an element of guessing work. I highly recommend if you havent seen it the actors were cool and did a good job and im so proud of Alycia herself for producing such masterpiece and also she looked beautiful.
Loved the story minus the end!
Idahogirlx6 July 2019
I actually really enjoyed this movie! Didn't know any of the actors besides Robson, who I knew from Animal Kingdom and liked his performance in the movie a lot. Was good to see him in a different role and thought it fit him perfectly. Also enjoyed the story, the location, and the characters were all interesting. So I basically loved everything until the end. Not gonna go into detail, watch it for yourself and get your own opinion. Its definitely a great story and movie is well done but the end was disappointing to me, they could have done more with it!
Did I watch the same movie these other people watched?
tlawrenceintel14 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Sometimes, I read reviews on this site and wonder if I am caught in some parallel universe in which I see the same movie others see but from some other perspective.
A Violent Separation isn't pretending to be an Oscar winning movie or turn for any if the actors involved. It is an excellent story arc presented in just the right manner in which to create a tense slow burn atmosphere. None of the actors are particularly excellent or dynamic but that isn't what the movie was striving to present. I think an excellent performance may have taken away from the plot. I think the surprise ending had to happen. There was no other legitimate way that Norman and Frances could stay together and be a family or that the Sheriff and Father's need for resolution could be satisfied. Interestingly, I found Ben Robson to be the exact same character that he is on Animal Kingdom. I could have done without Ted Levine. He will never match his performance as the very twisted yet interesting psychopath in Silence of The Lambs.
Quite honestly, I am very dissapointment in the people who have dissed this movie. I almost didn't give it a chance. Now I feel like I need to find another source for reliable opinions on movies.
Greek Tragedy Set in the American Heartland
lavatch11 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The story is as old as Cain and Abel. One brother is kind and the other is a killer. As a family struggles to stay together, it is eventually torn asunder. There is a biblical quality to "A Violent Separation" that gives the film depth and unviersality in its emotional impact.
In the bonus track of the DVD of the film, the co-directors, the Goetz brothers, described their film as "ordinary people in extraordinary situations." They might have added that the extraordinary situations are of the characters' own doing. In ancient Greek tragedy, there is a fateful moment for the protagonist when is a choice made with unforeseen consequences. There is such a moment in "A Violent Separation" when the young police officer Norm chooses to participate with his wayward brother Ray in a "cover up" of a crime. It is that choice that leads both characters down the tragic path.
From the extras segment of the DVD, it was interesting to learn that a number of the cast members were from the UK. Their work accomplished on dialect was superb in the characters' speech patterns from rural Missouri. There was also fastidious attention to detail on the part of the Goetz brothers for their camera work, set-ups, and the overall film aesthetics. There was a striking beauty of the Missouri landscape juxtaposed with the tawdry situation of the two brothers as they became steeped in crime and in guilt.
The women's roles in the film were also fascinating in the contrasting pair of sisters (Abbey and Fran) set in relief with the two brothers (Ray and Norm). Other characters, including the taciturn grampa and the savvy sheriff were nuanced human portraits. All were drawn into the film's moral dilemma in which the crime must be solved in the same way that Sophocles crafted the tragic dilemma of Oedipus.
While the film was set in 1983 in the heartland of America, there was a timeless dimension to "A Violent Separation." When the sheriff describes his philosophy of solving the crime, the words that he uses are "man and time" that hold the keys to the truth. Those universal values help to invest the film with its powerful context of myth.
In the bonus track of the DVD of the film, the co-directors, the Goetz brothers, described their film as "ordinary people in extraordinary situations." They might have added that the extraordinary situations are of the characters' own doing. In ancient Greek tragedy, there is a fateful moment for the protagonist when is a choice made with unforeseen consequences. There is such a moment in "A Violent Separation" when the young police officer Norm chooses to participate with his wayward brother Ray in a "cover up" of a crime. It is that choice that leads both characters down the tragic path.
From the extras segment of the DVD, it was interesting to learn that a number of the cast members were from the UK. Their work accomplished on dialect was superb in the characters' speech patterns from rural Missouri. There was also fastidious attention to detail on the part of the Goetz brothers for their camera work, set-ups, and the overall film aesthetics. There was a striking beauty of the Missouri landscape juxtaposed with the tawdry situation of the two brothers as they became steeped in crime and in guilt.
The women's roles in the film were also fascinating in the contrasting pair of sisters (Abbey and Fran) set in relief with the two brothers (Ray and Norm). Other characters, including the taciturn grampa and the savvy sheriff were nuanced human portraits. All were drawn into the film's moral dilemma in which the crime must be solved in the same way that Sophocles crafted the tragic dilemma of Oedipus.
While the film was set in 1983 in the heartland of America, there was a timeless dimension to "A Violent Separation." When the sheriff describes his philosophy of solving the crime, the words that he uses are "man and time" that hold the keys to the truth. Those universal values help to invest the film with its powerful context of myth.
Great Movie!
asrichmond7 March 2020
Loved it
tdbsc3-110-12683324 July 2019
Never heard of this movie before but gave it a shot. Great story throughout. Figured I'd be disappointed by the ending (like most movies lately) but I wasn't. I'm surprised with the 5.6 rating. Not sure what you could knock it for. Very entertaining through, good cast and story. 7.9
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