By James Calemine
Joey Lauren Adams’ directorial debut proves timeless. This film was selected by the Sundance Film Festival in 2006, and nominated for the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. Early Come Morning transpires in Adams’ home-state, Arkansas, where vivid landscapes provide a sensory pleasure to the economical dialogue. Even John Prine, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Don Gibson, Billy Joe Shaver and Merle Haggard songs appear in the soundtrack…
Ashley Judd shines in Early Come Morning. This may be the best movie I’ve ever seen her act in. Judd captures hearts, even in her character’s flaws, which always makes for memorable cinema. Her character, Lucy, struggles to escape toxic patterns in her small town, and find redemption in a new way of life.
Ray McKinnon, Stacy Keach, Laura Prepron, Scott Wilson and Jeffrey Donovan provide great performances in this film. I tempt all viewers to name the actors/actresses in Early Come Morning who also appeared in Billy Bob Thornton‘s Sling Blade…
This film stands testimony to the behind-the-camera and writing talent of Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy, Dazed and Confused & Still The King). You should add Early Come Morning to your collection ASAP.