Title: The Better Angels
Year: 2014
Genre: Drama, History
Rating: 6.2
Cast: Diane Kruger, Jason Clarke, Brit Marling, Wes Bentley, Braydon Denney
Description: A hushed reverence permeates "The Better Angels," a film less about historical accuracy than about the unsettling fragility of nascent nationhood mirrored in the formative years of a young Abraham Lincoln. Director A.J. Edwards masterfully crafts a portrait of a family grappling with poverty, violence, and the profound weight of ambition, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of 19th-century America. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life, showcasing the complexities of Lincoln's character before his ascent to presidency. It’s a study in contrasts: the idyllic beauty of the landscape juxtaposed with the raw, unfiltered emotions of its inhabitants. "The Better Angels" is not a comfortable watch, but its haunting power lingers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the human cost of leadership and the enduring strength of the human spirit.