X
  • 2017
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 33 m
  • 2017
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 33 m

Summary In the wake of a triple murder that leaves the residents of a remote Alaskan outpost on edge, tightly wound drifter Elwood (Christopher Abbott) checks into a motel run by Sam (Jon Bernthal), a former rodeo champion whose imposing physical presence conceals a troubled soul. Bound together by their outsider status, the two men strike up an...

Directed By: Jamie M. Dagg

Written By: Paul China, Benjamin China

  • 2017
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 33 m
  • 2017
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 33 m

Sweet Virginia

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
72
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 24 User Ratings
7.2
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary In the wake of a triple murder that leaves the residents of a remote Alaskan outpost on edge, tightly wound drifter Elwood (Christopher Abbott) checks into a motel run by Sam (Jon Bernthal), a former rodeo champion whose imposing physical presence conceals a troubled soul. Bound together by their outsider status, the two men strike up an...

Directed By: Jamie M. Dagg

Written By: Paul China, Benjamin China

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
72
77% Positive
10 Reviews
23% Mixed
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 13 Critic Reviews
72
77% Positive
10 Reviews
23% Mixed
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Nov 16, 2017
The concepts Sweet Virginia explore through this setup — lives intersecting after a tragedy in a small town and a dangerous outsider tearing through a community — aren’t new for noir or westerns, but the understated, intense performances of Dagg’s cast make this slow burner a standout.
By April Wolfe FULL REVIEW
88
Nov 16, 2017
As with most slow-burn neo-noir movies, Sweet Virginia thrives on atmosphere. It oozes it from every frame.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 24 User Ratings
7.2
67% Positive
16 Ratings
33% Mixed
8 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 24 User Ratings
7.2
67% Positive
16 Ratings
33% Mixed
8 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
mikyhard
Feb 7, 2023
A true hidden gem, well set and well acted, the kind of little masterpiece you didn't expect. Very good soundtrack.
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9
PeteOppel
May 4, 2018
An expertly crafted, atmospheric, noir-type thriller which is aided tremendously by an economic running time.
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80
Nov 16, 2017
What director Jamie M. Dagg achieves with his slow burn of a second feature is a total immersion in end-of-the-line atmosphere, with four superb central performances bringing archetypal intrigue to life.
By Sheri Linden FULL REVIEW
75
Apr 29, 2017
The film is gripping from start to finish, even when so much of its menace rings hollow.
By David Ehrlich FULL REVIEW
67
Apr 29, 2017
A movie that forgoes solid storytelling for an atmosphere that keeps you captivated, director Jamie M. Dagg has made a film that plays with genres from neo-noir to thriller to even horror.
By Ally Johnson FULL REVIEW
60
Nov 30, 2017
Much of Sweet Virginia suggests a deep Coen brothers influence. But when it is pulled off as well as it is in Sweet Virginia, there's no shame in that.
By Mike Scott FULL REVIEW
50
Nov 14, 2017
Sweet Virginia doesn’t have much of a point, as its characters are reductive variables in an inevitable equation of carnage.
By Chuck Bowen FULL REVIEW
See All 13 Critic Reviews
7
risonyeong
Jul 15, 2021
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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6
Aproxx
Aug 5, 2018
So. They set up the characters really well. Super engaging scenes that makes you learn about all of them. They open a ton of threads about all them in subtle, natural ways, plus relationships between some of them... And then all ends in a few sequences in a non-climax. I honestly believe they thought they could film for more time in a two hour film, they were noticed that wasn't going to be the case, and rewrite the end so they could at least sell the movie. Having said that, the acting and script of the good part (2/3) of the movie is so good that I couldn't put this movie less than a six...
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See All 4 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company Automatik Entertainment, Exhibit, Oddfellows Entertainment, XYZ Films
Release Date Nov 17, 2017
Duration 1 h 33 m
Rating R
Genres
Website https://virginiaeranet.com/sweet-virginia-2017-home-page/
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Awards

Deauville Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
Canadian Cinema Editors Awards
• 1 Nomination

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