Carey Mulligan turns in one of the best performances of the year in this quiet but affecting family drama that takes place in 1960’s Montana. This is Paul Dano’s directorial debut, and it fits in perfectly with his sensibilities. The performances are great across the board, from Gyllenhaal to Ed Oxenbould (who is so convincing as shy but curious son Joe). And we get a nice contribution from Bill Camp too. The cinematography is reserved but beautiful, especially when it focuses in on the characters’ faces. It’s like watching a person come up for air in a pool, with everything else buried in this soft blur, so that we can just see the pain or the sadness in their eyes. This will stay off most people’s radar I’m sure. But it’s quite a promising start for Dano, who clearly has an eye and a feel for being behind the camera.